Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st T20I Match Preview, Key Players, Injury Update, Squad, Other Details

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Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st T20I: Pakistan vs New Zealand series is set to start on April 18th at Rawalpindi Stadium. The matches will begin at 7 PM Pakistan time.

This series holds great importance for Pakistan as they are shaping their squad for the upcoming World Cup. Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that they will finalise the team by May 1st, with the squad announcement scheduled for April 25.

Key Players

Babar Azam returns as the captain for the first time since the last ODI World Cup, marking his comeback as Pakistan's T20 captain as well. Additionally, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim are making a return from retirement.

The selectors are looking for suitable players who can secure a spot in the World Cup team. Babar Azam's performance in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been impressive, especially considering his role as captain. Imad Wasim also showcased his skills by leading Islamabad to victory in crucial knockout matches.

However, Pakistan's middle-order remains a concern, and the emergence of players like Usman Khan in PSL could address this issue if they can perform consistently in international cricket.

On the New Zealand side, Mark Chapman's recent form and Jimmy Neesham's experience in Pakistan's domestic leagues could pose challenges for the Pakistani team in the upcoming series. New Zealand will field a second-string squad in their upcoming matches, as key players like Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Glenn Phillips, and others are engaged in IPL 2024.

Tim Southee has also been rested for workload management. All-rounder Michael Bracewell will lead the team, and debut opportunities may arise for uncapped players such as Zak Foulkes and Tim Robinson in the first T20i.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Injury Update

There are no injury updates before the match but Pakistan did miss out pacer Haris Rauf for the series as the pacer is recovering from a shoulder injury.
New Zealand Additionally, injuries have sidelined Finn Allen with a back problem and Adam Milne with an ankle injury.

Squad

Pakistan: 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: Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jake Foulkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.