Pakistan team departs for New Zealand as T20 series set to begin on March 16

The Pakistan cricket team has departed for New Zealand to compete against the Kiwis, as reported by national media on Wednesday. 

According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the national team will play 5 T20 Internationals and 3 One Day Internationals against New Zealand. The national T20 squad left from Lahore and will reach New Zealand via Dubai.

It is noteworthy that the 5-match T20 series between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin on March 16 in Christchurch.

16-member T20 squad:

1. Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
2. Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain)
3. Abbas Afridi
4. Abdul Samad
5. Abrar Ahmed
6. Haris Rauf
7. Hasan Nawaz
8. Irfan Khan Niazi
9. Jahandad Khan
10. Khushdil Shah
11. Mohammad Ali
12. Mohammad Haris
13. Umair Bin Yousuf
14. Shaheen Shah Afridi
15. Sufiyan Muqeem
16. Usman Khan

Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz have been included in the Pakistan team for the first time. Vice-captain Shadab Khan said that he has been given a new responsibility and will try to perform well.

He further stated that the squad includes many young players, who bring a different and positive energy. High expectations are attached to the players making their debut, and he hopes the team will succeed.