On January 3, New Zealand announced a robust 15-player roster for their forthcoming T20I series against Pakistan, spanning five matches. The squad sees the return of Matt Henry, who had to miss the 2023 World Cup due to a hamstring injury. Henry is scheduled to participate in a domestic game on Friday, after which he will join the national team.
Key players Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are also making their comebacks to the squad after sitting out the recent series against Bangladesh. However, to manage his knee condition, Williamson will not be playing in the third T20I of the series.
Rachin Ravindra, who was active in the Bangladesh series, has been given a rest for this series. In contrast, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to join the team for the last three T20Is of the series against Pakistan.
The New Zealand selection committee has chosen Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Conway, Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, and Tim Southee to play in all five T20Is. This selection underscores the team's strategy to field a strong and experienced lineup.
Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, emphasized the importance of the team being fully prepared, especially with the T20 World Cup scheduled for later this year. He underlined the necessity for the Black Caps to be vigilant and in top form in anticipation of the global tournament.
“With just three T20I series left before the T20 World Cup, all matches are vitally important for our preparation. Starting the series off at Eden Park (Auckland) on a Friday night will be a great occasion and one I know the team will relish," Stead was quoted as saying.
The T20I series, a crucial part of New Zealand's cricket calendar, will take place from January 12 to 21. The matches are set to be hosted in four different cities across New Zealand: Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, and Christchurch. This series not only offers an exciting cricket spectacle but also serves as a significant preparation phase for the teams leading up to the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand squad for Pakistan T20Is: Kane Williamson (c) (matches 1, 2, 4 and 5), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson (match 3 only), Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson (matches 3, 4 and 5), Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears (matches 1 and 2), Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
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