For Statham, 24, playing first against a player who has been inside the top 40 rankings in his career is a big challenge, but it's something he is looking forward to.
"It doesn't really matter who plays first. We're pretty easy with it. I've played him (Istomin) twice before now, in Uzbekistan in Davis Cup and in a challenger in Australia a week or so ago. Maybe it's third time lucky? I've learnt a lot and have a good strategy in place and have studied his matches," says Statham.
"The way I see it, world rankings go out the window once you step on the court to play for your country," he says.
"This is my 17th tie for New Zealand I've got a good record and I have pride playing for my country."
Statham is picked ahead of Artem Sitak who has the better ATP ranking, but less experience in Davis Cup.
Istomin is pretty relaxed about the contest.
"This is a different story playing for the country in best of five set matches. I will try to do my best and get the point for my country. I try and stay on the court for us.
"I think I play well at the moment. It won't be easy, but I think we do it," he says.
In the doubles, New Zealand has chosen Venus and Dan King-Turner who had success at this year's Heineken Open and at a Challenger event in Honolulu.
Uzbekistan has chosen Istomin and Dustov.
