Nick Kelly, Muhammad Abbas Earn Maiden Calls-Up for Pakistan ODIs

Prepare yourself, cricket buffs! For their forthcoming ODI series against Pakistan, New Zealand has selected two fresh players, Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas. Follow billy 777 earning app for more cricket news.

This is a tremendously thrilling event for both of them since it offers the first opportunity to represent their nation. Let's learn more about these athletes and the reasons for their selection!

Nick Kelly

New Zealand native Nick Kelly is a 31-year-old cricket player. In domestic cricket—that is, cricket carried on inside a nation—he has participated in several matches.

Scoring more than 1,300 runs this season, he has been in great form. His outstanding batting has earned him selection to open the batting for New Zealand in the ODI games against Pakistan.

Playing in the IPL, Nick will be replacing Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. With Will Young, he will be opening the batting. Seeing Nick on the huge stage thrills many people!

Who is Muhammad Abbas?

Muhammad Abbas, a 21-year-old all-rounder, can bat and bowl well. Originally born in Pakistan, he eventually relocated to New Zealand.

He proved he is a gifted player by scoring many runs in New Zealand's Ford Trophy competition.

New Zealand sought a player capable of batting and bowling throughout this series. Muhammad Abbas was the ideal candidate since Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips were absent. Right now, he is grabbing the largest opportunity of his career!

Another Young Player: Adi Ashok

Furthermore included in New Zealand’s squad is Adi Ashok, a leg-spinner. A leg-spinner is a bowler who has a special method of spinning the ball.

Adi made his debut—his first appearance—for New Zealand against Bangladesh in December 2023. He now gets another opportunity to participate in the ODI series against Pakistan.

Sam Wells, chief selector for New Zealand, said Adi has been doing brilliantly in domestic cricket and that now is the appropriate moment to give him additional experience.

Why Are So Many Players Missing?

Among New Zealand's regular players, some are not playing in this series. Here's why:

Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway are playing in the IPL.
Regular captain of New Zealand, Kane Williamson, chose to relax.
Another senior player, Mitchell Santner, is not playing, so Tom Latham will take leadership instead.
Matt Henry is injured and healing from shoulder and knee issues.
Kyle Jamieson is resting for this series since his workload is being managed.

New Zealand, therefore, boasts many fresh faces on the team. Seeing how they perform will be entertaining!

What Did the Selectors Say?

Head selector for New Zealand, Sam Wells, clarified why they chose these athletes:

Skilled and incredibly strong, Nick Kelly can bat anywhere in the top six.
Given New Zealand lacks certain crucial players, Muhammad Abbas is a youthful and gifted batsman who can also bowl.
Adi Ashok is a fantastic spinner; this series will give him more international experience.

Wells also noted that this is the ideal moment to give fresh players an opportunity, as the next ICC ODI tournament is still two and a half years away.