With the 2-match Test series ending in a draw, home team Pakistan are set to take on New Zealand in the 1st ODI at Karachi. 

PAK vs NZ 1st ODI: Match Preview:

Pakistan won 8 out of 9 ODI matches they played in 2022, losing only one match (against Australia) and are currently on an 8-match unbeaten streak. Captain Babar Azam has been the top scorer for Pakistan with 679 runs in 9 innings, averaging 84.87 with 3 centuries and 5 fifties to his name. Imam-ul-Haq has also been in good form with 505 runs (100x2, 50x4) in 8 matches while Fakhar Zaman has scored 303 runs in 9 matches. Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood would further consolidate the home batting lineup. 

Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. were the top wicket-takers for Pakistan with 15 wickets each, in 7 and 8 matches respectively. All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz picked up 11 wickets in 6 matches while young pace gun Naseem Shah impressed with 10 wickets in only 3 matches. Usama Mir has earned his maiden ODI call-up and will complete the bowling department along with Shahnawaz Dahani. 

New Zealand have named a full-strength squad to take on the home team Pakistan. Tom Latham was the top scorer for the Kiwis in 2022, scoring 558 runs in 13 innings with 2 hundred and 2 fifties. Finn Allen was also impressive with 387 runs in 10 innings while Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell scored 264 and 261 runs respectively. 

Trent Boult opted out of the national contract and hence isn't with the team in Pakistan. Boult was the top wicket-taker for the Kiwis in 2022. In his absence, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Tim Southee will lead the bowling lineup. Henry picked up 18 wickets in 10 matches in 2022, matching Boult's tally of 18 wickets, while Southee registered 14 wickets in 8 matches. Right-arm fast-medium bowler Henry Shipley has been named in the squad along with Blair Tickner. Ish Sodhi, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell will comprise the spin department.