New Zealand announce full strength squad for T20I series against Pakistan

After the home series against Bangladesh, it is time for New Zealand to host Pakistan. Kane Williamson and some other superstars are back in the team for the Five-Match series. Shaheen Afridi and his side will make the tour across the Tasman after the Sydney Test.

New Zealand’s national selectors have included Matt Henry in the team. The right-arm-pacer had injured himself during the ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and opener Devon Conway are also back in the team after a short rest.

The first game is set to be played on the 12^th of January in Auckland. The next two games will be played in Hamilton and Dunedin before Christchurch plays host to the final two games.

Kane Williamson recalled for Pakistan T20I series –

New Zealand’s national selectors have named a full-strength squad with Kane Williamson as the captain. The Kiwis will take on Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Pakistan side in a five-match T20I series starting on January 12^th.

Gary Stead the national coach said, “ It’s great to be welcoming Matt, Devon, Kane, and Lockie”. The four players have been given an extended break after the ODI World Cup 2023 tournament in India.

The Kiwi coach also said to the media “They’re four quality players in their own right and their skills and experience will bolster our side. With just three T20I series left before the T20 World Cup, all matches are vitally important for our preparation.”

Rachin Ravindra has been given a rest for the entire Pakistan and the reason stated was workload management. “Rachin’s a young player who has immense value to New Zealand Cricket and we therefore want to look after his wellbeing. He’s the only player or staff member to have been touring non-stop for the past five months across five countries and that’s simply not sustainable”

After the series against Pakistan, it is time for the Australians to make the trip to New Zealand. The two teams will be embroiled in yet another T20I series as they look to get into the scheme of things for the T20 World Cup in June.

New Zealand’s team for Pakistan series –

Kane Williamson (capt) (for games 1,2,4,5), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson (3^rd game only), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ben Sears (1^st and 2^nd game), Lockie Ferguson (for games 3,4, and 5)