Michael Bracewell has been announced as the new captain New Zealand in their five-match T20I series against Pakistan, which begins in Christchurch on March 16, Sunday. Bracewell, who was instrumental in New Zealand’s run to the Champions Trophy final, will be assisted by six other members of that team in the squad.
Leadership Change As Mitchell Santner Misses Out
Bracewell takes over the captaincy from Mitchell Santner, who will not be available for the series because of domestic T20 duties. This is Bracewell’s maiden assignment as captain in home conditions, although he did captain the side when they toured Pakistan on the white-ball circuit last year. He is looking forward to accepting the challenge of guiding the Black Caps in home conditions.
“It’s a great honour and a real privilege to captain your country,” Bracewell said as quoted by ICC
Also Read: PCB CEO In Dubai But Still Not Invited For Champions Trophy Final? ICC Says,’No Office Bearer Was…’
Squad Changes And Standout Returns
The Kiwis will welcome back leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who missed the recent home series against Sri Lanka. Fast bowler Ben Sears also returns after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Champions Trophy tournament.
Managing Player Workloads
Pace pair Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke are available only for the first three games, as team management wants to handle their workloads after the taxing ICC tournament. Matt Henry, who led the wicket-takers in the Champions Trophy despite missing the last game due to injury, is named for the final two games. His inclusion, however, will be subject to clearing fitness tests.
Kiwis Eye T20 World Cup Preparations
Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham, and Tim Seifert are included in the squad, with selector Sam Wells eyeing the next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka while making selections.
Also Read: IPL 2025: KL Rahul To Miss Initial Matches For Delhi Capitals? Here’s Why!
Some of the important players such as Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, and Rachin Ravindra are out because of their commitments to different T20 leagues. Kane Williamson has opted out of the series.
New Zealand Squad For T20I Series Against Pakistan
Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (matches 4-5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (matches 4-5), Kyle Jamieson (matches 1-3), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (matches 1-3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Seifert
