Michael Bracewell to Lead New Zealand’s T20I Squad Against Pakistan

New Zealand cricket has announced Michael Bracewell as the captain of their T20I squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan, beginning on March 16. This series marks Bracewell’s second stint as captain, having previously led during New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan in April 2024.

In a squad that sees some notable omissions due to IPL commitments, players like Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, and regular captain Mitchell Santner will not be participating. Their absence paves the way for emerging players and a mix of seasoned athletes to prove their mettle on the international stage.

The T20I squad also welcomes the return of fast bowler Ben Sears, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Ish Sodhi, who missed the recent series against Sri Lanka, is included in the lineup. The selectors have also carefully managed the workload of their pacers from the Champions Trophy, with Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke being chosen to play only in the first three games of the series.

Additionally, Matt Henry, who faced an injury during the Champions Trophy semi-final, is slated to participate in the last two matches of the series depending on his fitness. The squad features relevant newcomers Tim Robinson, Zakary Foulkes, and Mitchell Hay to offer youthful energy, following their encounters in the preceding series against Sri Lanka.

With some key players sitting out due to Indian Premier League commitments, this series against Pakistan will see increased batting responsibilities for Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson will not be featuring in this series due to his Pakistan Super League engagements with Karachi Kings starting April 11.

This series is crucial for New Zealand as it examines the depth of its cricketing squad ahead of vital upcoming tournaments, including the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Key players such as Finn Allen, James Neesham, and Tim Seifert are set to focus entirely on preparations for this global event, representing a promising future focus for the team.

This mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents provides a balanced dynamic that New Zealand will hope to exploit to secure a successful series against the visiting Pakistan team.