The Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson says their recent dominance over Pakistan in one-day cricket will count for nothing in the three-match series which starts in Abu Dhabi tonight.
Pakistan celebrate a wicket. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand has won their last 11 ODI games against Pakistan going back to 2014, although all but two of those games were played in New Zealand.
New Zealand is ranked third in the world and Pakistan fifth.
However Pakistan were far too strong for New Zealand in the recent T20 series and Williamson says in the conditions they're use to, Pakistan will be tough in the 50 over game.
"It's a new series, a fresh start, I guess it's a nice stat to have (11 wins in a row), but come tomorrow it's what happens on the day and really important that we try and make some adjustments."
"The last time we played one day cricket it was back home in our conditions (Blacks Caps won series 5-nil), but here they're slightly different so we must look to implement our plans as best we can."
Williamson expects the Pakistani's T20 form to transfer into the 50 over version of the game.
Colin de Grandhomme. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"I think they're always a strong side no matter the format, they've got a lot of depth in their talent as well so I think their side changes a little bit but we certainly know over here their knowledge of the conditions, they've had a lot of success so we always know we're in for a tough game."
Meanwhile opener George Worker is hoping for an explosive opening partnership with Colin Munro.
If selected Worker will play his first game for the Black Caps in 11 months.
The Central Stags batsman says it'll be interesting to see what he and Munro could do.
Black Caps batsman George Worker. Photo: Photosport
"It's always exciting being at the other end with Muners (Munro), we all know how powerful he is and what he can do so I was lucky enough to open with him back in December against the West Indies so it would be nice to team up with him again and see what we can do."
Worker or Tom Latham are likely to open the innings with Munro.
Depending on the fitness of Ajaz Patel, New Zealand could take 3 spinners into the opening game.
World number four ranked ODI bowler Trent Boult has also joined the squad, but a lack of recent cricket may mean he's not an automatic selection.
