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The cricketing world is abuzz as Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, prepare to face Michael Bracewell’s New Zealand in a five-match T20I series. The much-anticipated series kicks off on Sunday, March 16, at the picturesque Hagley Oval in Christchurch. With fresh faces and revamped squads, both teams are set to bring an exciting brand of cricket to fans worldwide.
A fresh start for Pakistan: New leadership and bold choices
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes to its T20I setup. Following a disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB decided to drop experienced players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, popularly known as “RizBar,” from the T20I squad. Criticized for their conservative batting during powerplays, their omission marks a shift toward a more aggressive approach. Salman has been appointed captain, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain, signaling a new era for Pakistan’s white-ball cricket.
The squad also includes three uncapped players—Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali—who earned their spots through stellar performances in domestic tournaments. This bold selection strategy reflects Pakistan’s focus on grooming young talent ahead of major tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025 and ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
New Zealand’s squad: A mix of experience and opportunity
New Zealand enter the series without several key players such as Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips, who are committed to IPL duties. In their absence, Bracewell leads a squad featuring a mix of established names and returning stars. Notably, Kyle Jamieson will feature in the first three games before making way for Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes in the latter matches.
The Black Caps’ squad includes exciting talents like Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell alongside seasoned campaigners Ish Sodhi and Jimmy Neesham. This blend of youth and experience positions New Zealand as a formidable opponent despite the absence of some regulars.
Also READ: NZ vs PAK 2025: Pakistan’s best playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand
Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025 Schedule
The five-match T20I series will be played across some of New Zealand’s most iconic cricket grounds:
- March 16: 1st T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- March 18: 2nd T20I at University Oval, Dunedin
- March 21: 3rd T20I at Eden Park, Auckland
- March 23: 4th T20I at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
- March 26: 5th T20I at Sky Stadium, Wellington
Following the T20Is, the teams will compete in a three-match ODI series from March 29 to April 5.
Squads
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (games 4 and 5 only), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 and 5 only), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 and 3 only), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 and 3 only), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan
Broadcast and Live streaming details
- India: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv, Fancode
- New Zealand: TVNZ 1, TVNZ+
- Pakistan: Ten Sports
- Australia: Kayo Sports
- UK: TNT
- South Africa: SuperSport Grandstand
