Follow Us on Google News
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced a 15-member squad on Wednesday for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan, with allrounder Michael Bracewell leading the team.
Bracewell, set to captain the team for the first time, has overcome setbacks since his last international appearance in March last year, battling a ruptured Achilles followed by a broken finger, as stated by NZC in a press release.
Having made a remarkable return to cricket after recovery, Bracewell showcased his prowess by delivering his best first-class performance with the ball in his comeback match in the Plunket Shield.
His absence from the New Zealand squad stemmed from the injuries sustained in June during the T20 Blast and later with a broken finger. However, his resurgence during the Plunket Shield saw him achieve career-best bowling figures of 8 for 41 while representing Wellington against Otago.
The squad introduces uncapped batter Tim Robinson and fast bowler Will O’Rourke, both of whom have previously represented New Zealand in Test and ODI cricket this season.
Colin Munro, Will Young, and Tim Southee were not available for selection, while some key players opted out of the tour due to their commitments in the IPL.
The Blackcaps squad is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 14 and will engage in three T20Is at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on April 18, 20, and 21. Subsequently, the series will transition to Lahore, where the remaining two T20Is will be played on April 25 and 27, respectively.
New Zealand T20I squad
Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, 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, Ish Sodhi