ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will face New Zealand in the first game of the five-match T20I series in Rawalpindi on Thursday (tomorrow). Earlier on Sunday New Zealand team landed in the capital to play the series against the host team.
Both teams would play a series of five T20 International matches starting from April 18 with the first match played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium at 7:30 PM.
Pakistan, New Zealand Series Trophy Unveiled
Meanwhile, the trophy of the fiveT20I Series 2024 was unveiled at a ceremony being held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shared photos of the ceremony showing Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Kiwis skipper Michael Bracewell posing with the trophy.
Earlier on Tuesday and Wednesday Kiwis players held training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The first three matches will be played at Rawalpindi while Lahore will host the last two games.
Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim who recently took back their decision of retirement, would likely be part of the team, whereas Haris Rauf would miss the series due to his injury in the PSL a month before.
Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan.
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha.
New Zealand Young Team
The Black Caps would face Pakistan mostly with fresh faces being led by Michael Bracewell as most of the players are busy in the Indian Premier League including Kim Williamson, Mitchel March, Furgeson etc. However, still it would be an interesting series and a solid preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup to be played in the USA and West Indies in June this year.
