April 14, 2024 – The New Zealand men’s cricket team has touched down in Islamabad, Pakistan, ahead of their highly anticipated five-match T20I series against the Men in Green. The series is scheduled to commence on April 18.
The arrival of the Kiwis marks a crucial phase of preparation for both teams as they fine-tune their squads and evaluate players for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With the majority of players currently participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024, New Zealand has appointed experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell as the skipper for this tour. Bracewell, who has not played an international match since March last year, recently returned to domestic duties following injury concerns that included a ruptured Achilles and a broken finger.
On the other side, Pakistan will be led by Babar Azam, who was recently reinstated as the skipper of the white-ball format, replacing Shaheen Afridi. Star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who reversed their retirements, have made sensational comebacks and are part of Pakistan’s squad for the series.
For the five-match T20I series, former fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been named as the head coach for Pakistan. Meanwhile, Wahab Riaz will serve as the senior team manager, and Mohammad Yousuf will take on the role of batting coach Saeed Ajmal, who previously served as the bowling coach during tours of Australia and New Zealand, will continue as the spin bowling coach.
Pakistan will be eager to avenge their 4-1 T20I series defeat away from home against the Blackcaps earlier this year. The series promises exciting cricket action and serves as a crucial build-up to the T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
Squads for the Five-Match T20I Series:
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole Mc Conchie, Zack Fowlkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
