Naseem Shah Sets World Record for Most Wickets in Six Matches in Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI Series
Naseem Shah, the talented Pakistani bowler, achieved a remarkable feat during the first ODI against New Zealand in Rawalpindi. By taking two wickets in the match, Naseem now holds the world record for the highest number of wickets in six One Day Internationals (ODIs).Previously, the record was held by New Zealand’s Matt Henry, who had secured 19 wickets in six matches.
However, Naseem surpassed this milestone by reaching a total of 20 wickets in his first six ODIs.During the match, Naseem Shah exhibited an impressive performance, finishing with figures of 2-29 in his 10 overs.
New Zealand, batting first, set a target of 289 runs for Pakistan to chase.In preceding events, New Zealand managed to level the five-match Twenty20 series 2-2, despite missing eight players, including their captain Kane Williamson, who were either involved in the Indian Premier League or nursing injuries. Under the leadership of stand-in captain Tom Latham, New Zealand showcased adaptability and skill, making a strong comeback from being 2-0 down to win the third and fifth matches, while the fourth match was abandoned due to rain.
Since assuming captaincy, Babar Azam has led Pakistan to victory in five out of seven ODI series. The two losses under his leadership came against England in 2021 and New Zealand in January of the same year.In recent times, New Zealand has held the upper hand against Pakistan. Out of the last six ODI series between the two teams, New Zealand emerged victorious in five and drew one.
Their last series defeat against Pakistan occurred in 2011, in a match played on New Zealand’s home soil.Following the first ODI, scheduled on Thursday, the remaining matches of the ongoing series will take place in Rawalpindi on Saturday, followed by matches in Karachi on May 3, 5, and 7.
Here are the squads for the series:
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
New Zealand:
Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk/c), Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Blair TicknerODI Series Schedule:April 27: 1st ODI in RawalpindiApril 29: 2nd ODI in RawalpindiMay 3: 3rd ODI in KarachiMay 5: 4th ODI in KarachiMay 7: 5th ODI in Karachi