Cricket: Debutants Ben Lister, Cole McConchie named for Blackcaps' one-day series against Pakistan

Fast-bowler Ben Lister and allrounder Cole McConchie have been named for Blackcaps one-day debuts, when they tour Pakistan later this month.

Tom Latham will captain the squad, continuing his leadership role through the current white-ball series against Sri Lanka at home.

Both Lister and McConchie have previously featured for New Zealand in the Twenty20 format. The former debuted in India last year and played against Sri Lanka at Auckland on Sunday, while the latter visited Bangladesh in 2021.

The squad also includes rookies Chad Bowes, Rachin Ravindra and Henry Shipley, who all made their one-day debuts against Sri Lanka last month.

"Making your debut in India is a big challenge, and it’s been great to see Ben really try and soak up every opportunity since then," said Blackcaps coach Gary Stead.

"Cole has been a leader for Canterbury and at New Zealand 'A' level for a number of seasons, but his contributions to winning games across formats really stood out this summer.

"His skillset with bat and ball is a valuable one, especially in the conditions we are likely to face on this tour."

The touring staff will be be boosted by the inclusion of former Pakistan international Saqlain Mushtaq - pioneer of the 'doosra' spin-bowling technique - as assistant coach.

Rachin Ravindra and Blair Tickner celebrate a wicket against Sri Lanka
Rachin Ravindra and Blair Tickner celebrate a wicket against Sri Lanka. Photo credit: Photosport

"Having someone with Saqlain’s experience is a big boost for the group," said Stead. "We are looking forward to the insights he can offer us to aid our preparations for local conditions and, in particular, the assistance he can provide to our spin-bowling group."

The squad contest a five-match ODI series at Rawalpindi and Karachi from April 26-May 7.

Blackcaps ODI squad v Pakistan: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Chad Bowes, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young

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