The New Zealand men’s cricket squad landed in Islamabad gearing up for their adrenaline-packed five-match T20I showdown against Pakistan, slated to start on April 18.
Pakistan Cricket took to social media to roll out the welcome mat for @BLACKCAPS, announcing their arrival in Islamabad ahead of the Bank Alfalah Presents Jazz Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I Series 2024. With the T20 World Cup looming, both Kiwis and the Men in Green are geared to fine-tune their lineups, scouting for potential stars to feature in the coveted 15-player squad. Despite many players currently engaged in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, New Zealand has entrusted seasoned all-rounder Michael Bracewell with captaincy duties for this tour. Bracewell, making a comeback after a hiatus due to injuries, steps into leadership since his last international appearance in March last year.
On the opposing side, Pakistan’s reins are in the hands of Babar Azam, who resumes captaincy for the white-ball format. The Pakistani squad sees the sensational return of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who withdrew their retirements, injecting fresh vigor into the team. Azhar Mahmood steps in as head coach for the five-match series, with Wahab Riaz as senior team manager and Mohammad Yousuf as batting coach. Saeed Ajmal continues his role as the spin bowling coach. Eager for redemption after their 4-1 T20I series loss to the Blackcaps earlier, Pakistan eyes victory on home turf.
The squads for the five-match T20I series are as follows: Pakistan: (c) Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir. New Zealand: (c) Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Zack Fowlkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodh
