Babar Azam to open for Pakistan in ODI tri-series opener
What's the story
The much-awaited Tri-Nation series has finally kicked off with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the first match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.
Mitchell Santer won the toss and chose to bat.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's skipper Mohammad Rizwan confirmed that Babar Azam will open.
"It's a good chance for us before the Champions Trophy. I mentioned in the press conference, Babar Azam will open with Fakhar. We have Rauf, Afridi and Naseem Shah. We want to prepare for the Champions Trophy."
Line-ups
Team line-ups revealed for the opener
The team line-ups for the first match have been revealed.
Pakistan's playing XI features Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Agha Salman (vc), Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's squad includes Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips Michael Bracewell Mitchell Santner (c) Matt Henry Ben Sears William O'Rourke.
Squad update
Devon Conway misses out on Kiwi squad
In a surprising turn of events, Devon Conway was not included in New Zealand's playing XI for the first match.
This unexpected twist in the team dynamics comes as they gear up to face Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Tri-Nation series is considered a crucial preparatory stage for all participating teams — South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan — ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Stats
A look at Babar's overall ODI stats and as opener
Across 124 ODIs, the batter has amassed 5,957 runs at an average of 56.73 (120 innings).
He also owns a strike rate of 88.21 including 19 hundreds and 34 fifties. Additionally, he boasts a high score of 158, which he hammered against England in 2018.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Babar has scored just 26 runs across three matches (two innings) as an opener.
He averages 13 and owns a strike rate of 72.22.