New Zealand's Josh Clarkson has been ruled out of the squad for the third T20I against Pakistan, scheduled for January 17 at University Oval in Dunedin, due to a shoulder injury sustained while playing for Central Stags in the Super Smash league. The 26-year-old, who was initially called up for the third T20I as a replacement for Kane Williamson (resting his knee), now finds himself sidelined.
In light of Clarkson's injury, New Zealand Cricket has named Will Young as his replacement. Young has recently been in excellent form, especially in the ODI series against Bangladesh, where he scored notable innings of 105, 89, and 26. Despite his strong performances in ODIs, Young is yet to make his T20I debut. He drew the selectors' attention with a standout performance in domestic cricket, scoring an unbeaten 101 off 63 balls for Central Districts against Otago at McLean Park in Napier.
The New Zealand team had previously missed the services of all-rounder Mitchell Santner in the first T20I against Pakistan at Eden Park in Auckland, as he tested positive for COVID-19. Currently in isolation, Santner is expected to travel alone to Hamilton for the second T20I against Pakistan at Seddon Park.
New Zealand has had a strong start in the T20I series, securing a 1-0 lead with a 46-run victory in the first match. Daryl Mitchell was named Player of the Match, contributing an impressive 61 off 27 deliveries, including four boundaries and four sixes.
The team’s robust batting performance led them to a formidable total of 226 for 8. In their defense, New Zealand's bowling attack, spearheaded by Tim Southee, who claimed four wickets and reached a personal milestone of 150 T20I wickets, dismissed Pakistan for 180 runs in 18 overs.
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