At this point, Pakistan and New Zealand are in a long-distance relationship. Neither wants to let go of the other. New Zealand could lose an ICC final one week and still find a way to face Pakistan the next. Pakistan could very well be stuck in the middle of their existential crisis, yet would still ‘roger’ any opportunity to play the Kiwis.
In addition to death and taxes, Pakistan vs New Zealand bilaterals are the new certain in this world. Something many of the players who faced India in the final on Sunday would also nod to, as they gear up under the stand-in captain, Michael Bracewell, to play a five-T20I series starting March 16.
Bracewell will captain the side instead of Mitchell Santner, who, along with a handful of players including Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Philips, will be occupied with his Indian Premier League (IPL) commitment. As many as seven players from the Champions Trophy squad have been announced to be part of the five-match series against Pakistan, which Bracewell deems a ‘dangerous’ side.
“Mitch Santner’s done a great job since taking over as white-ball captain,” Michael Bracewell was quoted as saying in an NZC statement. “I’ll really just be trying to build on his good work and create an enjoyable environment for the guys to perform in. Pakistan are always a dangerous short-form side with lots of power and pace and we know they’ll be hurting after an early exit in the Champions Trophy.”
Barring those seven players, Ish Sodhi, Fin Allen, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Seifert, and Ben Sears have been named in the 15-man squad set to face Pakistan in the shortest format. In a bid to manage their workloads after the Tri-series and Champions Trophy, Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke will only be available for selection for the first three games. Zakary Foulkes together with Matt Henry, who injured his shoulder in the semi-final against South Africa, will come in the last two games to replace the duo, but the latter’s selection is subject to fitness.
New Zealand have been more frequent than ever with their knockout stages appearances in ICC events lately but still have not been able to get hold of silverware. With the T20 World Cup coming up next year, they will be on the lookout to build their best possible team for the tournament.
“We’re certainly starting to narrow our sights on the ICC T20 World Cup in India next February and March,” NZ Chief Selector Sam Wells said. “Half of this squad is only returning from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday and so we’re going to need to manage those players really carefully.
“The Pakistan series will provide an opportunity for all players to put their best foot forward and push their case for selection in the 15-player squad for next year’s major global tournament.”
Pakistan will play a total of five T20Is followed by 3 ODI matches against New Zealand. Each T20I will be played as a double-header with New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women’s fixtures at the same venue and date.
New Zealand squad for T20I series versus Pakistan
Michael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
