Mohammad Arslan Abbas, son of former Pakistani cricketer Azhar Abbas, is set to make his debut for New Zealand in the upcoming series against Pakistan. The young cricketer, known for his ability to contribute with both the bat and ball, has been included in the Kiwi squad following an impressive domestic performance.
Azhar Abbas, who played 45 first-class matches before settling in New Zealand, continued his cricketing journey by representing Auckland and Wellington. Currently, he serves as the assistant coach for the Wellington Firebirds, providing guidance to emerging players, including his son.
Arslan Abbas’s inclusion in the squad comes as New Zealand faces the absence of key players, including Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips, who are occupied with their commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their absence paves the way for younger talents to step up in the ODI series against Pakistan.
New Zealand’s Recent Triumph Over Pakistan
In their latest encounter at the Bay Oval, New Zealand outclassed Pakistan with a dominant 115-run victory, securing the series 3-1. The Men in Green struggled to chase a challenging 221-run target, collapsing to just 105 runs under lights, unable to handle the swing-friendly conditions.
Fast bowler Jacob Duffy provided the early breakthrough, dismantling Pakistan’s top order with three quick wickets inside the powerplay. Pakistan’s response never gained momentum as the Kiwi bowlers consistently exploited the pitch conditions.
Will O’Rourke, making his first appearance in the series, dismissed Mohammad Haris with a brilliant delivery, while Duffy sent Hasan Nawaz and captain Salman Agha back to the pavilion in the second over, putting Pakistan under immense pressure. Zakary Foulkes also made an instant impact, removing Shadab Khan with his first ball, worsening Pakistan’s plight.
The visitors lost eight wickets for just 56 runs, with No. 7 batter Abdul Samad providing a brief resistance through his 30-ball 44. However, the outcome was evident well before the innings concluded.
Duffy wrapped up his spell with exceptional figures of 4 for 20, while Foulkes claimed three wickets, sealing an emphatic win for New Zealand. The final match of the series, now a dead rubber, is set to take place at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
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FAQs
1. Who is Muhammad Arslan Abbas?
Muhammad Arslan Abbas is the son of former Pakistani cricketer Azhar Abbas. He is a middle-order batsman and an all-rounder who has been selected for New Zealand’s squad based on his strong domestic performances.
2. Why is New Zealand missing key players in the series against Pakistan?
Several senior players, including Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips, are unavailable as they are participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
3. How did New Zealand defeat Pakistan in their last match?
New Zealand secured a dominant 115-run victory by bowling out Pakistan for just 105 runs while defending a 221-run target. The Kiwi pacers, led by Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes, exploited the swinging conditions effectively.
4. What challenges did Pakistan face in their run chase?
Pakistan’s top order collapsed early, with key batsmen falling to swing and seam movement. They failed to capitalize on the dew factor, and their batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure from the Kiwi bowlers.
5. When is the final match of the series between New Zealand and Pakistan?
The last match of the series will be played at Sky Stadium in Wellington and serves as a dead rubber, as New Zealand has already secured the series win.
