New Zealand and Pakistan are set to face each other in another bilateral series starting from 16th March 2025. In this regard, New Zealand has announced their T20 squad for the five-match T20 series.
The side will be led by all-rounder Michael Bracewell who was clinical in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. It will be the second time that Bracewell will lead the side, having already done the captaincy stint in April 2024 that too against Pakistan.
“Mitch Santner has done a great job since taking over as white-ball captain and I’ll really just be trying to build on his good work and create an enjoyable environment for the guys to perform in,” Bracewell said in an NZC statement.
“Pakistan are always a dangerous short-form side with lots of power and pace and we know they’ll be hurting after an early exit in the Champions Trophy.”
The New Zealand Board has selected different players for different matches keeping the workload of the players in mind who featured in all the games of the recently concluded Champions Trophy.
Bean Sears, who was recovering from the hamstring injury has been recalled for the series, Ish Sodhi who missed out on a home-series against Sri Lanka also made his comeback to the side.
The players like Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke have been selected for the first three games as the selectors will be managing their workload.
Players like Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Lockie Ferguson, Santner and Glenn Phillips are unavailable for the series due to their commitment to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kane Williamson pulled out of the series due to his Pakistan Super League (PSL) commitments, starting from April 11, with Karachi Kings.
Matt Henry who injured his shoulder in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy has been added for the last two T20is given he is fit enough to play. Moreover, Finn Allen, James Neesham and Tim Seifert have also been included after confirming their availability for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“We’re certainly starting to narrow our sights on the ICC T20 World Cup in India next February and March,” selector Sam Wells said. “Half of this squad is only returning from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday and so we’re going to need to manage those players really carefully.
“The Pakistan series will provide an opportunity for all players to put their best foot forward and push their case for selection in the 15-player squad for next year’s major global tournament.”
New Zealand squad T20Is against Pakistan
Michael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
Schedule of T20 series:
Sunday, March 16: 1st T20I, Christchurch
Tuesday, March 18: 2nd T20I, Dunedin
Friday, March 21: 3rd T20I, Auckland
Sunday, March 23: 4th T20I, Mount Maunganui
Wednesday, March 26: 5th T20I, Wellington
