The Pakistani team is all set to play the 5-match T20I series with New Zealand starting this month. In March, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that Pakistan vs New Zealand Series 3 matches will be played in Rawalpindi. The other two games will be in Lahore.
The series will be super exciting as both teams have a rich history in cricket. Earlier this year in January, New Zealand and Pakistan faced each other in a T20I series, with New Zealand winning 4-1 of the 5-match series.
The upcoming T20 series benefits both teams before appearing in the T20 World Cup 2024. It will help them practice and strengthen their strategies before the big tournament. Let’s check out the Pakistan vs New Zealand Series Preview.
Pakistan
In the series coming up in April 2024, Babar Azam will lead Pakistan as captain for the shorter cricket formats.
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and talented Imad Wasim also return to the team after reversing their retirement. They will also be playing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will held in June.
The selectors have selected Irfan Khan and Usman Khan for their outstanding performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 09).
Also, Haris Rauf, recently back on Pakistan’s contract list, didn’t make it due to a shoulder injury from the Pakistan Super League. Pakistan’s team looks much more robust for the Pakistan vs New Zealand Series.
Moreover, Azhar Mahmood was an all-rounder appointed as a head coach to lead the team. He will be assisted by a batting coach named Mohammad Yousuf and a spin-bowling coach named Saeed Ajmal. Wahab Riaz, who used to select the team, is now the manager.
New Zealand
Michael Bracewell will lead New Zealand on their tour to Pakistan.
Several influential players, including Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, and Kane Williamson, won’t be available due to their commitments in the Indian Premier League.
Will Young and Tom Latham could not play because of their reasons. Young was busy with his Nottinghamshire cricket contract, and Latham was busy for family reasons.
Also, Tim Southee is on break and Colin Munro was unavailable for selection.
Tim Robinson from Wellington and Will O’Rourke from Canterbury have been selected for the New Zealand T20I team for the first time. New Zealand gave some newcomers a chance for the Pakistan vs New Zealand Series.
Pakistan squad for Pakistan vs New Zealand Series
- Abrar Ahmed
- Azam Khan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Imad Wasim
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Mohammad Amir
- Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Usman Khan
- Zaman Khan
- Usama Mir
- Babar Azam
The reserves who will not be travelling are:
- Haseebullah
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Salman Ali Agha
New Zealand squad for Pakistan vs New Zealand Series
The following players will be playing from New Zealand
- Finn Allen
- Michael Bracewell
- Mark Chapman
- Josh Clarkson
- Jacob Duffy
- Dean Foxcroft
- Ben Lister
- Cole McConchie
- Adam Milne
- Jimmy Neesham
- Will O’Rourke
- Tim Robinson
- Ben Sears
- Tim Seifert (WK)
- Ish Sodhi
Predicting Winner for T20I
The T20 series was held in January 2024 in New Zealand. Team New Zealand won the game due to home advantage.
Similarly, Pakistan is expected to win the series this time against the other team. The score might be 4-1 in Pakistan’s favour. Pakistan has an excellent chance to win because of their team and the conditions.
Series Schedule
The T20 series will be played between 18 to 27 April in Pakistan.
On April 14, New Zealand will land in Pakistan, followed by training sessions on April 16-17.
The series starts with the 1st T20I in Rawalpindi on April 18, followed by the 2nd T20I on April 20. The 3rd T20I is on April 21, all in Rawalpindi.
The series then moves to Lahore for the 4th T20I on April 25 and concludes with the 5th T20I on April 27.
Wrap-up
The Pakistan vs New Zealand series highlights an exciting cricket game with key players like Babar Azam and Finn Allen in the spotlight. Fans can expect exciting matchups and intense competition. All eyes will be on Babar Azam as he returns as captain after playing 1 series as a player.
Moreover, these series will help the teams to improve their weak points and appear in the World Cup 2024 as an unbeatable power. Besides results, we will have quality cricket in the Pakistan vs New Zealand Series.
