Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas, who have not yet been capped, have been called up by New Zealand for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan at home. Kelly has received recognition for his outstanding performance on the home circuit, as he has amassed over 1300 runs in all forms this season.
As Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are on IPL duty, the 31-year-old is expected to open the batting for New Zealand in the series alongside Will Young. The Ford Trophy has recognized Abbas, a 21-year-old all-rounder who immigrated from Pakistan to New Zealand.
Adi Ashok, a leg-spinner who debuted against Bangladesh in December 2023, has also been selected. Out of the team that advanced to the Champions Trophy final earlier this month, just eight players were chosen. In addition to the current IPL team, Kane Williamson has not been selected since he declared himself unavailable for the series.
Matt Henry is still out in the fast bowling department while he heals from problems with his left knee and right shoulder. Due to the management of his workload, Kyle Jamieson has also been excluded. Tom Latham will lead the team while normal captain Mitchell Santner is not available.
“With a group of regular ODI players unavailable, we have a selected group of high-potential players who are now ready for opportunities at international level,” said head selector Sam Wells. “With the next ICC ODI pinnacle event still two and half years away, the series is a perfect opportunity to introduce, or re-introduce in the case of Adi, these players to international cricket now.
“Nick has been the standout domestic batsman the last few seasons. He is a dynamic stroke maker with power, and he can bat anywhere in the top six. Mo is one of our most promising young batters and he also provides a sixth bowling option which is required in the absence of Rachin (Ravindra) and Glenn (Phillips). It’s nice to be welcoming Adi back into the group again after having a taste of international cricket a couple of years ago.
“His performances for Auckland have been impressive. His accuracy in the middle overs is a valuable skill set he can bring to the team and now is a good time to give him some more valuable international experience.”
Prior to the sides traveling to Hamilton for the second match, the first ODI is set to take place in Napier on March 29. The last ODI is scheduled for April 5 at Mount Maunganui. With one game remaining in the series, New Zealand has already dominated Pakistan in the Twenty20 Internationals.
Squad: Tom Latham (C), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
