New Zealand have unveiled their squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan, with all-rounder Michael Bracewell set to lead the side in the absence of Mitch Santner.
The highly anticipated series kicks off on Sunday, March 16, in Christchurch.
Bracewell, who played a key role in New Zealand’s journey to the Champions Trophy Final, is among seven players from that campaign named in the squad. He steps in as captain while Santner remains unavailable due to domestic T20 commitments. Having previously captained the team during a white-ball tour of Pakistan, Bracewell is eager to take on the leadership role on home soil.
“Captaining your country is a great honour and privilege,” Bracewell said. “I enjoyed leading the side in Pakistan last year, and it’s great to have many of the same players back for this series. Mitch has done a fantastic job as white-ball captain, and I aim to continue his good work, creating an environment where the team can thrive.”
Bracewell also acknowledged the challenge posed by Pakistan, calling them a “dangerous short-form side with immense power and pace.” He added that the squad is eager to perform in front of home fans after receiving immense support during their recent campaign in Dubai.
Returning to the squad is leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who missed the recent Sri Lanka series, along with fast bowler Ben Sears, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke are available for the first three games, while Matt Henry, the leading wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy despite missing the final, will feature in the last two matches, pending fitness clearance.
Selector Sam Wells emphasized that New Zealand is preparing for the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year. “We’ve communicated to players that availability for this series is crucial in our planning for the World Cup,” Wells stated.
Several key players, including Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, and Rachin Ravindra, are unavailable due to T20 franchise commitments, while Kane Williamson has also opted out.
New Zealand T20I Squad vs Pakistan:
Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (matches 4-5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (matches 4-5), Kyle Jamieson (matches 1-3), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (matches 1-3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.
T20I Series Schedule:
• 1st T20I: Sunday, 16 March – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
• 2nd T20I: Tuesday, 18 March – University of Otago Oval, Dunedin
• 3rd T20I: Friday, 21 March – Eden Park, Auckland
• 4th T20I: Sunday, 23 March – Bay Oval, Tauranga
• 5th T20I: Wednesday, 25 March – Sky Stadium, Wellington
With New Zealand eager to fine-tune their squad ahead of the World Cup and Pakistan looking to bounce back from their Champions Trophy disappointment, this series promises to be an exciting contest between two formidable sides.