Bracewell captains new-look NZ squad for Pakistan T20I series

A new-look New Zealand side will take on Pakistan in the first of five T20Is this Sunday in Christchurch, with Michael Bracewell announced as captain of a squad that is missing several regulars.

Fresh from contesting the Champions Trophy final against India in Dubai on Sunday, the Black Caps host Pakistan for eight white-ball matches between March 16 and April 5.

Cricket betting sites have New Zealand as $1.70 favourites for the first T20I, with Pakistan paying $2.13 for the win.

However, the Kiwis will be without many of their usual stars, with the series wedged between the Champions Trophy and the IPL.

Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips were not considered for selection, meaning Bracewell assumes captaincy of an under-strength side.

“Mitch Santner’s done a great job since taking over as white-ball captain, and I’ll really just be trying to build on his good work and create an enjoyable environment for the guys to perform in,” Bracewell said.

“Pakistan are always a dangerous short-form side with lots of power and pace, and we know they’ll be hurting after an early exit in the Champions Trophy.”

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Coming into the squad are spinner Ish Sodhi and pacer Ben Sears, while top-order batter Finn Allen, veteran all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and wicketkeeper Tim Seifert get the call-up as well.

Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson are likely to only feature in the first three T20Is, while Matt Henry may return from injury in the second half of the series.

“We’re certainly starting to narrow our sights on the ICC T20 World Cup in India next February and March,” selector Sam Wells said of the decision to rest some players.

“Half of this squad is only returning from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, and so we’re going to need to manage those players really carefully.

“The Pakistan series will provide an opportunity for all players to put their best foot forward and push their case for selection in the 15-player squad for next year’s major global tournament.”

New Zealand sit on the seventh line of outright betting for the 2026 T20 World Cup, paying $17 at BetOnline.

India lead the market at $2.50, followed by Australia and South Africa at $5.50 apiece.

NZ squad for Pakistan T20I series

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Hay, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Will O’Rourke (games 1-3), Kyle Jamieson (games 1-3), Zakary Foulkes (games 4-5), Matt Henry (games 4-5)

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