Pakistan cricket team practicing in the nets ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand.

New Zealand versus Pakistan T20I Series, 2024

Pakistan prepares for the World Cup with yet another series against New Zealand.

Off-field incidents are a common occurrence in Pakistan cricket, and the recent events are no exception.

Change is a constant in Pakistan cricket, evident in the comprehensive preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

It all began with Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in January of this year, encompassing five T20Is, followed by active participation in the Pakistan Super League.

Presently, they are gearing up to host New Zealand for another five-match T20I series, with subsequent tours planned for Ireland and England, comprising three T20Is and four 20-over matches respectively.

Despite the upcoming series featuring primarily a second-string New Zealand team, Pakistan aims to capitalize on the opportunity, strategically building momentum for the ICC event scheduled in the West Indies and the United States from June 1.

This marks Pakistan’s third T20I series against New Zealand since 2023.

During New Zealand’s visit in April 2023, the series ended in a draw, 2-2, under the captaincy of Babar Azam.

Following a subpar performance in the 50-over World Cup, Babar stepped down from captaincy across all formats.

Shaheen Afridi took over as the T20I skipper for the New Zealand tour.

Notably, these changes occurred during Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as PCB chairman.

However, Pakistan faced setbacks under the new leadership, losing four games, prompting Babar’s reinstatement as skipper.

Shortly after, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi assumed the chairmanship of PCB.

The dynamic shifts also extended to the selection committee, which now includes Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, and Wahab Riaz.

Moreover, there has been a transformation in the coaching staff.

Notably, Azhar Mahmood has been introduced as the new head coach, accompanied by Mohammad Yousuf as batting coach, Saeed Ajmal continuing as spin coach, and Wahab Riaz appointed as team manager.

Off the field, Pakistan cricket has been marked by turmoil, prompting crisis talks within the PCB, particularly following Babar’s reinstatement amid controversies attributed to Shaheen.

Despite these challenges, the focus remains on cricket, especially with the impending T20 World Cup.

In the midst of these changes, retirements and comebacks have been a recurring theme.

Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim have returned to the squad, aiming to make an impact in the upcoming global event.

Their inclusion was deemed essential, given Haris Rauf’s injury and Mohammad Nawaz’s form.

Both players bring match-winning abilities, adding depth to Pakistan’s campaign.

The squad for the World Cup also introduces two uncapped players, Usman Khan and Muhammad Irfan Khan.

Usman’s impressive performance in the PSL, emerging as the second-highest run-scorer, highlights his potential, while Muhammad Irfan Khan’s contributions for Karachi Kings underscore his talent.

On the opposing side, the Michael Bracewell-led New Zealand team faces challenges due to the absence of key players, presenting an opportunity for others to stake their claim for the World Cup selection.

With several players unavailable due to IPL commitments, injuries, or personal reasons, New Zealand’s lineup will feature fresh faces, including replacements Tom Blundell and Zak Foulkes, alongside uncapped talents Tim Robinson and Will O’Rourke, as they seek to make an impact in Pakistan.

Pakistan Squad:

Player Name
Babar Azam (captain)
Abrar Ahmed
Azam Khan
Fakhar Zaman
Iftikhar Ahmed
Imad Wasim
Mohammad Abbas Afridi
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohmmad Amir
Muhammad Irfan Khan
Naseem Shah
Saim Ayub
Shadab Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Usama Mir
Usman Khan
Zaman Khan

New Zealand Squad:

Player Name
Michael Bracewell (captain)
Tom Blundell
Mark Chapman
Josh Clarkson
Jacob Duffy
Dean Foxcroft
Ben Lister
Cole McConchie
Zak Foulkes
Jimmy Neesham
Will O’Rourke
Tim Robinson
Ben Sears
Tim Seifert
Ish Sodhi

Matches Schedule are as follows:

DateMatchesTimeVenue
April 18, 20241st T20I7:00 PMRawalpindi
April 20, 20242nd T20I7:00 PMRawalpindi
April 21, 20243rd T20I7:00 PMRawalpindi
April 25, 20244th T20I7:00 PMLahore
April 27, 20245th T20I7:00 PMLahore

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