New Zealand Announce Fresh Squad for T20I Series Against Pakistan

New Zealand have named a fresh-faced squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan, with **Michael Bracewell** stepping up as captain.

The series kicks off in "Christchurch on March 16", and Bracewell will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper **Mitch Santner**, who is tied up with domestic T20 commitments.

"Bracewell Excited to Lead at Home"

Bracewell, who captained New Zealand during their tour of Pakistan last year, is eager to take on the leadership role once again—this time on home soil.

*"I really enjoyed leading the team in Pakistan, and it’s great to have a lot of familiar faces from that squad back again. I’ll be building on Mitch Santner’s great leadership and working to create a positive environment for the team," Bracewell said.

"Fresh Faces & Experienced Names in the Squad"

The squad features a mix of "young talent and experienced players", including six members from New Zealand’s "Champions Trophy" campaign. "Ish Sodhi and Ben Sears" make their return, while "Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke" will be available for the first three matches. "Matt Henry", the leading wicket-taker at the Champions Trophy, is set to join for the last two games, subject to fitness.

With next year’s **T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka** in mind, New Zealand selectors are focused on building a strong squad. Selector **Sam Wells** emphasized that players must commit to the team’s preparations.

Several key names—**Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, and Glenn Phillips**—are missing due to other commitments.

New Zealand Squad for the Pakistan T20I Series

🔹 **Michael Bracewell (captain)**

🔹 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

🔹 Tim Seifert

🔹 Ish Sodhi

T20I Series Schedule

📅 **1st T20I** – Sunday, 16 March | Hagley Oval, Christchurch

📅 **2nd T20I** – Tuesday, 18 March | University of Otago Oval, Dunedin

📅 **3rd T20I** – Friday, 21 March | Eden Park, Auckland

📅 **4th T20I** – Sunday, 23 March | Bay Oval, Tauranga

📅 **5th T20I** – Wednesday, 25 March | Sky Stadium, Wellington

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New Zealand Announce Fresh Squad for T20I Series Against Pakistan