New Zealand announce T20I squad for Pakistan series with Bracewell as captain

AUCKLAND: New Zealand on Tuesday announced their squad for the five-match T20 international series against Pakistan, which is set to take place from March 16 to 26.

Seven players from New Zealand's squad for the lately finished ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including all-rounder Michael Bracewell, who will captain the Kiwis in the home series, are among the 15-member squad. 

“Mitch Santner’s done a great job since taking over as white-ball captain and I’ll really just be trying to build on his good work and create an enjoyable environment for the guys to perform in,” Bracewell said in an NZC statement.

“Pakistan are always a dangerous short-form side with lots of power and pace and we know they’ll be hurting after an early exit in the Champions Trophy.”

The squad also marked the return of senior spinner Ish Sodhi and pacer Ben Sears, who was ruled out of the mega event due to a torn hamstring.

Notably, pacers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke were selected for the first three T20Is, while experienced Matt Henry, the leading wicket-taker of the Champions Trophy 2025, will be available for the remaining two matches.

The move is a part of NZC’s plans to manage the workload of the three pacers, who recently partook in the eight-team tournament.

New Zealand squad: Michael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

T20I series schedule

March 16 — First T20I in Christchurch

March 18 — Second T20I in Dunedin

March 21 — Third T20I in Auckland

March 23 — Fourth T20I in Mount Maunganui

March 26 — Fifth T20I in Wellington