The eight-team ODI tournament marks the first global cricket event hosted by Pakistan since 1996.
Fast bowler Haris Rauf, who suffered a muscular sprain in his lower chest during last week’s tri-series, returns to strengthen Pakistan’s bowling attack. Abrar Ahmed is the team’s sole frontline spinner.
For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra misses out after sustaining a head injury in the tri-series opener. The Black Caps are also without pacers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, both ruled out of the tournament due to injuries.
Pakistan and New Zealand are placed in Group A alongside India and Bangladesh, while Group B comprises Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
Pakistan enter the competition as defending champions, with the tournament set to run until March 9.
India will play their matches in the United Arab Emirates, as political tensions led New Delhi to decline sending its team to Pakistan.
Playing XIs Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
