PAK vs NZ: Michael Bracewell to lead New Zealand squad without IPL stars, Neesham returns ahead of T20 World Cup

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PAK vs NZ: New Zealand have announced their squad for a five-match T20I series against Pakistan which starts from April 18 in Rawalpindi. Michael Bracewell, who was out of international action since March 2023 due to injuries, will lead the team in the absence of key stars who are featuring in IPL 2024.

The likes of Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner and Kane Williamson are plying their trades in the IPL 2024, while Tim Southee, New Zealand's leading T20 wicket-taker since the last T20 World Cup, has been rested to manage his workload.

Michael Bracewell, who was sidelined since March last year due to a ruptured Achilles followed by a broken finger, got his T20I cap only two years back and has played just 16 matches in the shortest format.

Bracewell will be in charge of a side that has seven members from the previous T20 World Cup squads, along with two newly selected players in batter Tim Robinson and pacer Will O’Rourke. O’Rourke has already made his Test and ODI debut.

“Michael (Bracewell) has faced a long period on the sideline and it’s exciting to see him back playing cricket again,” said New Zealand Cricket (NZC) selector Sam Wells.

“The fact he’s back playing at a high level after an Achilles rupture is testament to his hard work and application,” he added.

“He’s a well-respected leader and has captaincy experience for Wellington (in domestic cricket) along with New Zealand A and New Zealand XI teams, which we believe holds him in good stead to lead the group in Pakistan.”

Bracewell returned to professional cricket in January and played six Super Smash matches for Wellington. The 33-year-old has scored 113 runs in 16 T20Is, including an unbeaten half-century. He has also played eight Tests and 19 ODIs.

Talking about the two newcomers in the squad, Wells said they had come into the side on the back of good domestic performances.

“Tim (Robinson) is still very early in his domestic career but his natural ability and explosive power was on full display this season. Combined with his outstanding fielding, we believe he has a skill-set that’s well suited to the format. We’ve been delighted with Will’s early efforts in international cricket, in both the formats he’s played so far. This tour will be an excellent chance for him to test his skills in foreign conditions,” he added.

Gary Stead will head the New Zealand support staff with Luke Ronchi as the batting coach. The coaching group will be assisted by former England international James Foster, who recently worked with the team in the UK and India.

The second and third T20Is will also be played in Rawalpindi on April 20 and 21. Lahore will host the final two games on April 25 and April 27.

New Zealand T20I squad for T20I series vs 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

(With PTI Inputs)