Michael Bracewell is the captain of New Zealand after returning to international cricket after injury. The Black Caps will play under his leadership in the T20 series on the tour of Pakistan. Uncapped batsman Tim Robinson gets a chance to make his debut.
Debutant fast bowler Will O’Rourke has been replaced in Tests and ODIs this season.
Bracewell has not worn a New Zealand jersey since March last year. Suffered a serious right ankle injury while playing for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast in June. Recently, Plunkett bowled a career-best 8 wickets at the cost of 41 runs in the Shield.
New Zealand are missing 9 of their players for the IPL tour of Pakistan. Will Young has also signed for Nottinghamshire. Tom Latham and Tim Southee are being rested to reduce workload while awaiting the birth of their second child.
The tour will play an important role in finalizing New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad.
The uncapped 21-year-old Robinson was recently the second best batsman in the Super Smash with 298 runs at a strike rate of 187.42 and an average of 59.60. Scored 139 off 64 balls against Otago.
The five-match series will begin on April 18 in Rawalpindi. The next two matches will be held at the same venue on April 20 and 21. The last two T20s in Lahore are on April 25 and 27.
New Zealand Squad: Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
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