New Zealand have announced the squad for upcoming Pakistan tour for a five match T201 series later this month.
Big players are unavailable for T20I series against Pakistan due to commitment with Indian Premier League (IPL).
Michael Bracewell is set to captain New Zealand. The all-rounder will lead a group that features a core of seasoned T20I players, including seven members of previous T20 World Cup squads, balanced by two players in Wellington’s Tim Robinson and Canterbury’s Will O’Rourke – selected in a BLACKCAPS T20I squad for the first time.
BLACKCAPS selector Sam Wells said Bracewell had shown commendable patience and dedication in the past year to work his way back from injury.
BLACKCAPS T20 Squad for Pakistan
Michael Bracewell (c)
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 (WK)
Ish Sodhi
Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner and Kane Williamson were all unavailable due to Indian Premier League commitments.
Will Young was also unavailable for selection as he takes up a winter contract with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, as was Tom Latham, who is awaiting the birth of his second child.
Tim Southee, the team’s leading T20 wicket taker since the last T20 World Cup, wasn’t considered for selection to allow him a period of prolonged conditioning following a busy playing schedule across formats.
Colin Munro was also unavailable for selection.