New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled a depleted squad, led by allrounder Michael Bracewell, for the upcoming tour of Pakistan. The tour will feature a five-match T20I series set to commence later this month.
The New Zealand squad will notably miss several key players due to their commitments in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
Notable Omissions
Stars like Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, and Kane Williamson will be absent from the series.
Additionally, Colin Munro and Tim Southee will be unavailable for selection, while Will Young’s contract with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and Tom Latham’s pending fatherhood duties have ruled them out as well.
Introducing New Faces
In light of these absences, the NZC has introduced new faces to the squad. Uncapped batter Tim Robinson and fast bowler Will O’Rourke have earned their maiden call-ups, injecting fresh talent into the team.
Robinson’s selection comes on the back of an impressive Super Smash campaign, where he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer despite missing several games due to injury. Notably, his stellar knock of 139 runs against the Otago Volts showcased his batting prowess.
Meanwhile, O’Rourke’s inclusion is a testament to his consistent performances across multiple formats. His exceptional debut in Test cricket, where he recorded remarkable match figures against South Africa, has solidified his place in the squad.
Bracewell, who will captain the side for the first time, has made a remarkable return to cricket after being sidelined since last year due to injury.
He last played for New Zealand in March last year before suffering a ruptured right Achilles injury during the T20 Blast in June and then a broken finger. He made his comeback during the Plunket Shield and claimed career-best bowling figures of 8 for 41.
The Kiwi squad is scheduled to depart for Pakistan on April 12th, with the first match of the series slated to take place in Rawalpindi on April 18th.
New Zealand T20I squad for Pakistan tour
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 (WK), Ish Sodhi
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