“NZ vs PAK 2025: Tom Latham sidelined from ODIs due to a fractured hand.”

Tom Latham’s fractured right hand has caused New Zealand to face a significant setback ahead of their forthcoming ODI series against Pakistan. The wicketkeeper-batter will be out for at least four weeks due to the injury, which was incurred during a training session. Henry Nicholls has been called up to take his position, and Michael Bracewell will continue to coach the team in his absence.

Tom Latham injury has already prompted questions, as the hosts were hoping to maintain that momentum into the ODIs.

After defeating the Men in Green 4-1 in the T20I series, the Black Caps will go into the ODI portion of the tour. During a net practice earlier this week, Latham, who was supposed to captain the team while Mitchell Santner was playing in the IPL, was hit in the right hand. He was disqualified from the series after X-rays verified the fracture.

Mitch Hay will now take over as wicketkeeper, and Bracewell, who led New Zealand to victory in the T20I series, will remain as captain of the ODI team. Furthermore, Will Young will go to be with his wife prior to the birth of their first child, therefore he will not be available following the first ODI in Napier. Rhys Mariu, a 23-year-old hitter who has not yet been capped, has been called up to the team for the first time in his absence.

Coach Gary Stead on player possibilities and squad modifications

After a solid domestic showing, Nicholls, who last participated in an international match against Sri Lanka in November of last year, rejoins the team. In his last six innings, Nicholls has scored five runs of 50 or more, despite missing a large chunk of the season because of a calf injury.

Due to a number of players being unavailable for various reasons, we have had to be adaptable on this tour. It does provide other players with possibilities, and it’s good to welcome Henry back and introduce Rhys to the setting for the first time. Following his three-month injury layoff, Henry has been playing well and will bring vital abilities and experience to the team, according to a statement from New Zealand coach Gary Stead.

The three-match ODI series begins on March 29 at McLean Park in Napier. On April 2 and 5, respectively, matches will be played in Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.