New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Mills is doubtful for the opening match of the three-ODI series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

"Kyle is a doubt for the game as he’s got a side strain or shoulder injury," said captain Daniel Vettori. "I think everyone knows he’s the No. 1 bowler in the world in one-day cricket so if he misses out it’ll be a big loss for us."

New Zealand came into the series without opener Jesse Ryder, fast bowler Daryl Tuffey and allrounder Grant Elliott. In fact, they may also be without another pace bowler with Ian Butler picking up a knee injury while playing for Otago in the recently-concluded Champions League Twenty20.

The injuries to Mills and Butler could give Tim Southee an opportunity, with offspinner Nathan McCullum partnering Vettori in the two-man spin attack. "We haven’t seen the wicket yet," Vettori said. "But we saw the history of it in the Pakistan-Australia matches [in April and May] and spinners dominated from early on. So it’s more than likely we’ll go with two spinners and hopefully that works."