NZ vs PAK: New Zealand T20 Squad For Pakistan Announced, Kane Williamson Returns

New Zealand has announced a full-strength squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan at home. Captain Kane Williamson and Devon Conway have returned to the New Zealand squad after taking a rest from the white-ball series against Bangladesh.

Pace-bowler Matt Henry, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 2023 World Cup, has been included in the T20 squad. The 32-year-old is set to return to action for Canterbury Kings against Central Stags in a Dream11 Super Smash contest in Christchurch on Friday.

Matt Henry will then join the Black Caps squad ahead of the series opener against Pakistan. The first T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to take place at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, January 12. The series will conclude with the final match on January 21.

Kane Williamson Set To Miss Third T20I vs Pakistan

Kane Williamson will be unavailable for the third T20I, and Mitchell Santner will lead in his absence. Uncapped Josh Clarkson has been brought in as cover for Kane. Josh Clarkson could potentially make his T20I debut during the third T20I of the upcoming series.

Rachin Ravindra wasn’t considered, as he has been with the team since the beginning of August. Ferguson, recovering from an Achilles injury, will join the squad for the final three T20Is. Ben Sears has been included in the team for the first two fixtures of the series.

Also Read: SA vs IND Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- India Tour of South Africa 2023, 2nd Test

New Zealand T20I Squad vs Pakistan

Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

Kyle Jamieson wasn’t considered due to his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham were unavailable due to overseas league commitments. Michael Bracewell, recovering from an Achilles injury, was also not in consideration for selection.

Rachin Ravindra Will Come Back Into The Reckoning – Gary Stead

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has emphasized that Rachin Ravindra will be considered for the series against Australia. Stead expressed his excitement about the return of senior players Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, and Kane Williamson.

“It’s great to be welcoming back Matt, Devon, Lockie and Kane. They’re four quality players in their own right and their skills and experience will bolster our side,” Stead said.

“Rachin’s a young player who has immense value to New Zealand Cricket and we therefore want to look after his wellbeing.”

“He’s the only player or staff member to have been touring non-stop for the past five months across five countries and that’s simply not sustainable.”

“He’s still very much part of our thinking for the T20 World Cup in June and will come back into the reckoning for the T20 series against Australia in February,” he added.

New Zealand recently defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in the three-match ODI series at home in December. The Kiwi team managed to draw the three-match T20 series 1-1, with one match ending with no result.

Also read: Iceland Cricket Hilariously Trolls Cricket South Africa For Naming A 2nd String Squad vs New Zealand