History will be made on Friday when Babar Azam’s Pakistan will take on Tom Latham’s New Zealand in the first of the 3 ODIs at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The occasion will see the tourists play their first match on Pakistan soil since 2003.

New Zealand, the top-ranked ODI team in the ICC Rankings and the finalists of the 2019 World Cup, come into this series with a 3-win sweep over Bangladesh at home in March.

“We know it is special for Pakistan to have cricket in their country and we are excited to be here. Pakistan are a quality side and they have some talented white-ball players in their line-up,” says New Zealand skipper Tom Latham told reporters.

“We have desired fire-power in our ranks to win this series and I am sure our batters and bowlers will rise to the occasion and make this historic series memorable for us,” he added.

Pakistan and New Zealand last met in an international 50-over competition during the 2019 Cricket World Cup 2019, when Babar Azam’s excellent century anchored his side to a brilliant six-wicket win at Birmingham.

“Finally, the day has arrived and our entire camp is very excited to play New Zealand at home. We have practiced hard for this series and I am sure we will take full advantage of our home conditions,” said Babar Azam.

“We have a balanced squad and I remain optimistic about our chances in what promises to be an exciting series. I am sure fans at the stadium and millions watching us on screens will enjoy these matches,” he added.

The series will not be part of the ICC World Cup Super League as both the PCB and NZC have mutually agreed to swap the status of this series with the one taking place in the 2022-23 season. The series commencing on Friday will be a bilateral fixture.

This will be the fourth time the two sides will meet at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in the ODI with Pakistan enjoying a 3-0 advantage. Prior to this match, Pakistan and New Zealand have met 19 times in an ODI in Pakistan between 1976 and 2003 with Pakistan winning 16 times.