Pakistani selectors have made a surprising U-turn, adding fast-bowler Haris Rauf to the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand, starting on March 29, Saturday.
The decision comes after Rauf was initially left out of the ODI line-up following a lackluster Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, where Pakistan were knocked out in the group stage itself. The ODI series, set to take place in Napier, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui, follows a 4-1 T20I series loss to New Zealand.
Initially, both Rauf and fellow pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi were dropped from the ODI squad due to their underwhelming showings in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, the former took seven wickets in the T20I series, making him the top wicket-taker for Pakistan and convincing the team management to bring him back.
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Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed strongly endorsed Rauf’s return, citing his edge in the New Zealand conditions.
"In these conditions, he proved that he is the best option because when you play on pitches where the total is not like 300+ when there are bowling conditions, Haris can play a major role. We have read that the Pakistani team faced difficulties in the Champions Trophy," Javed said as quoted.
Also read: New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st ODI Match Preview & Where to Watch Live?
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan Return
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has kept fans guessing with these last-minute tweaks.
Alongside Rauf, the squad retains senior stars like Mohammad Rizwan, who leads the ODI side, and Babar Azam. Both these batters were dropped from T20Is recently as Pakistan backed youngsters.
There is buzz about adding a wicket-keeper to the squad. Reports suggest the team might include Usman Khan or Mohammad Haris as a back-up to Rizwan.
Shaheen, who sat out in the final T20I, remains excluded from the ODI set-up.
The team arrived in Napier on March 27, ready to shift gears after the T20 disappointment.
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Pakistan ODI Squad vs New Zealand
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim and Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf.
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