RAWALPINDI – The T20I series between Pakistan & New Zealand is set to get into action on Thursday (April 18), with two teams facing each other after a gap of several months.
The Babar Azam-led T20 team expects to be in a commanding position as they take on an inexperienced Black Caps side at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The Men in Green will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage. The Pindi Stadium surface would be batter-friendly, with big totals expected.
Mohammad Rizwan and the skipper are to expected open the batting. The T20 series is Azhar Mahmood’s first assignment as head coach of the Green Shirts.
Imad Wasim & Mohammad Amir’s return excites fans, with Saim Ayub & Fakhar Zaman also in the spotlight.
Michael Bracewell will lead New Zealand on this tour. The team includes notable players such as Jimmy Neesham, Mark Chapman, Tom Blundell, Tim Seifert & Ish Sodhi.
Other players have also earned places through consistent performances in New Zealand domestic cricket.
In Rawalpindi, the first three matches of the T20 series will be played. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the last two competitions on April 25 and 27. All five matches will begin at 8 pm IST.
Team Pakistan vs New Zealand
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (week), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Tom Blundell, Dean Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell (c), Jimmy Neesham, Ben Lister, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi.
