New Zealand announces squad for T20 series against Pakistan

New Zealand Cricket has named a 15-member squad for the five-match T20 series against Pakistan, starting March 16 in Christchurch.

Michael Bracewell will captain the team in Mitchell Santner’s absence, while Kane Williamson opted out. The squad includes returning players Ish Sodhi, Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham, and Tim Seifert.

Fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke will play the first three matches, while Matt Henry joins for the last two.

Bracewell expressed excitement about leading the team again and praised Pakistan as a strong side aiming to recover from their early Champions Trophy exit.

New Zealand Squad:

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (matches 4-5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (last two matches), Kyle Jamieson (first three matches), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (first three matches), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

Pakistan T20I Squad:

Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan.

T20I Series Schedule:

• 1st T20I – March 16, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
• 2nd T20I – March 18, University of Otago Oval, Dunedin
• 3rd T20I – March 21, Eden Park, Auckland
• 4th T20I – March 23, Bay Oval, Tauranga
• 5th T20I – March 25, Sky Stadium, Wellington