Bracewell to lead New Zealand for Pakistan T20Is

Michael Bracewell will captain New Zealand for the first time on home soil in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 16.

Bracewell, a key performer in New Zealand’s runner-up finish at the recent ICC Champions Trophy, is one of seven players from that squad set to join the T20 camp in Christchurch on Friday.

The 34-year-old all-rounder has made 66 international appearances since debuting for New Zealand in all three formats in 2022. He previously led the white-ball tour of Pakistan in April last year and said he is excited about the challenge of captaining the team again.

“It’s a great honour and a real privilege to captain your country,” Bracewell said in a release. “I really enjoyed leading the side in Pakistan last year, and we’ve got many players from that squad included for this series as well, which is nice.

“Mitch Santner has done a great job as white-ball captain, and I’ll be looking to build on his work and create an enjoyable environment for the team to perform in. 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.”

Bracewell acknowledged the mixed emotions among players returning from Dubai. “For the guys coming back from Dubai, there’s obviously a level of disappointment, but also a lot of pride in the way we performed and represented New Zealand. We’ve loved the support from afar and are looking forward to playing at home in front of our fans.”

Squad changes and player availability

With T20 regulars Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and white-ball captain Mitchell Santner unavailable due to IPL commitments, the T20 squad features a blend of experienced and returning players.

Ish Sodhi has been recalled after missing the recent home series against Sri Lanka, while Ben Sears has recovered from a torn hamstring that forced him to miss the Champions Trophy.

Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke will feature in the first three games of the series as the selectors manage the workloads of pace bowlers returning from the Champions Trophy.

Matt Henry, who was the leading wicket-taker at the Champions Trophy despite missing the final due to injury, has been selected for the last two games, subject to fitness assessment after the ODI squad returns home on Wednesday.

Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham, and Tim Seifert have confirmed their availability for this series and the build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup in India next year. They were unavailable for the recent series against Sri Lanka due to overseas T20 league commitments.

Tim Robinson will continue at the top of the order, while pace bowler Zak Foulkes and wicketkeeper Mitch Hay retain their places after impressive performances against Sri Lanka.

Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman, who were part of the Champions Trophy campaign, will provide valuable top-order experience.

Bevon Jacobs was unavailable due to IPL commitments, while Kane Williamson opted out of selection.

Selector’s insight

Selector Sam Wells highlighted the importance of the series ahead of the T20 World Cup.

“We’re starting to narrow our sights on the ICC T20 World Cup in India next February and March,” Wells said. “We communicated with players that availability for this tournament and the build-up was necessary to be considered for this series against Pakistan.

“Half of this squad is only returning from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, so managing their workloads will be crucial. It’s great to have Ish, Kyle, and Ben back in the T20 setup.”

“The Pakistan series will give all players a chance to push their case for World Cup selection. We’re excited for Michael to captain the team on home soil. He’s a natural leader and in good form, so we’re confident he’ll rise to the challenge,” Wells added.

Coaching staff

Gary Stead will lead the coaching staff, supported by batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram. The squad will assemble in Christchurch on March 14.

New Zealand squad for Pakistan T20I series:

• Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi