RAWALPINDI: Pakistan is poised to confront New Zealand in the inaugural T20I of a five-match series, unfolding at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today.
Under the leadership of the newly-anointed captain, Babar Azam, who recently reclaimed his role at the helm following his resignation from the position last November, the Pakistani team, often referred to as the Green Shirts, will engage with Michael Bracewell’s Black Caps. Bracewell’s side seeks to establish their presence in the absence of key players.
As both teams aspire to utilize this opportunity to sharpen their skills and finalize their team compositions ahead of the 2024 T20I World Cup scheduled for June, the Men in Green hold a statistical advantage over their counterparts, boasting 21 wins and 17 losses against the Black Caps in the abbreviated format of the game.
Moreover, the series is poised to witness the return of pace bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim to the national squad after rescinding their retirements from international cricket.
Meanwhile, the series debut of Usman Khan and Muhammad Irfan Khan for Pakistan appears imminent, owing to their commendable performances in the recently concluded ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9).
The match is slated to kick off in the evening at approximately 7:30 pm, with the toss scheduled for 7 pm.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that today’s match, as well as forthcoming ones, may encounter disruptions due to forecasted rain in Rawalpindi from today until April 21, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Cricket fans are likely buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the first T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand. There’s always a palpable energy surrounding any cricket match, especially when two competitive teams like Pakistan and New Zealand are involved.
T20 2024 squads announced: Pakistan Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, and Zaman Khan.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert as wicketkeeper, Ish Sodhi, and Zak Foulkes.
