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New Zealand announce T20I squad for 5-match series against Pakistan, all-rounder who dismissed Virat Kohli in Champions Trophy final named captain

In the absence of IPL-bound players, veterans Tim Seifert, Finn Allen and James Neesham have been picked in the T20I squad for the five-T20I series at home against Pakistan.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 11 Mar 2025

New Zealand's Michael Bracewell (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of India's Virat Kohli (2R) during the ICC Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on March 9.

Highlights:

Michael Bracewell led a second-string side in T20Is on Pakistan tour as well.

Matt Henry will be available for last two T20Is of the five-T20I series.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi has been recalled to the side.

New Zealand have announced their squad for the five T20I series against Pakistan at home. All-rounder Michael Bracewell has been named captain. Matt Henry who was injured during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal will be available for the last two T20Is alongside Zak Foulkes whereas Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke will leave the squad after first three T20Is.

Captain Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Bevon Jacobs were unavailable for selection as they will play in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Tim Seifert, Finn Allen and James Neesham who missed the previous series due to commitments in T20 leagues have made their way back into the side.

"It's a great honour and a real privilege to captain your country," Bracewell said in a statement ahead of the series.

"I really enjoyed leading the side in Pakistan last year and we've got many players from that squad included for this series as well, which is nice."

New Zealand's T20I squad

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (4,5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (4,5), Kyle Jamieson (1,2,3), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke (1,2,3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Bracewell lauded Santner who led New Zealand to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 where they were beaten by India by four wickets..

"Mitch Santner's 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," the all-rounder said.

ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja responds to retirement rumours with four-word post after scoring winning runs in Champions Trophy 2025 final

Bracewell is not looking to take Pakistan lightly. Pakistan bowed out of the tournament without a win despite being hosts.

"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 34-year-old said.

"For the guys coming back from Dubai, there's obviously a level of disappointment, but also a lot of pride in the way we were able to perform and represent New Zealand.

"We've loved all of the support we've received from afar and are certainly looking forward to getting back home and playing in front of our own fans and in front of full venues."

ALSO READ: Former England captain names India's alternate playing XI that could've made it to Champions Trophy 2025 final featuring Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav

The T20I series will kick off on March 16 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The fifth and final T20I will be played on March 26 at Sky Stadium, Wellington.

Pakistan have replaced Mohmmad Rizwan with Agha Salman as their captain ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026 which will be played in India and Sri Lanka. Senior pros Babar Azam and Rizwan have been dropped from the T20I squad.

Pakistan's T20I squad -

Agha Salman (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), 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 and Usman Khan