New Zealand faces double blow; 2 changes made in Panic mode for the rest of the Pakistan T20Is

The New Zealand National Cricket Team suffered a double setback in the ongoing five-match T20I series against the Pakistan National Cricket Team at home. After finishing as the runners-up in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand continued their winning streak in the white-ball format.

The Black Caps won the first two T20Is against the Men in Green to take a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series, but the tourists made a remarkable comeback in the third T20I. Pakistan crushed the Kiwis by nine wickets, as they successfully chased down the 205-run target in 16 overs to keep their hopes alive in the ongoing T20I series in Auckland.

Matt Henry ruled out after New Zealand suffers crushing defeat in the 3rd T20I

After the crushing defeat, the Black Caps’ hopes of winning the ongoing T20I series hit a major blow as their star pacer Matt Henry has been ruled out of the remaining two T20I matches against Pakistan as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

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Matt Henry injured his right shoulder during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against South Africa, which would continue to keep him out of the action. Apart from the shoulder injury, the Kiwi pacer has also been dealing with a knee issue simultaneously.

New Zealand Cricket said in an official statement, “BLACKCAPS pace bowler Matt Henry has been ruled out of the remainder of the KFC T20I series against Pakistan as he continues his injury rehabilitation program. Henry injured his right shoulder during the recent ICC Champions Trophy semi-final win against South Africa and has also been managing an ongoing left knee issue.”

Zak Foulkes continues to step in for Matt Henry in the Pakistan T20Is

Young pacer Zak Foulkes, who was called up for the first three T20Is against Pakistan, will now stay with the squad for the rest of the ongoing home series as a replacement for Henry. Additionally, Will O’Rourke has joined the Black Caps squad for the last two T20I matches, replacing Kyle Jamieson.

The NZC further stated, “Will O’Rourke, who was originally listed for the opening three games, has instead joined the T20I squad for the final two matches in place of Kyle Jamieson.”

Notably, the last two T20I matches are scheduled at Bay Oval in Tauranga on Sunday, March 23, and Sky Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday, March 26. After the T20I series, Pakistan and New Zealand will face each other in the three-match ODI series, starting on March 29.

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Michael Bracewell dejected after crushing loss to Pakistan in 3rd T20I

Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell has expressed his disappointment after his team’s crushing defeat in the third T20I against Pakistan in Auckland. Bracewell also lauded Mohammad Nawaz (105*) and Mark Chapman (94) for their explosive knocks.

Michael Bracewell stated, “Disappointed with the result. Tip your hat off to Nawaz; he was unbelievable. Pretty hard to defend here tonight; credit to him, but pretty disappointed. We did not bat the full 20 overs, which is criminal in T20s.

You have to tidy up; conditions change, and you have to deal with it. Chapman batted beautifully; when he got out, we had to take stock for a couple of overs. When you put a score of 230 on the board, things have to go their way; we were 15 short.”