The cricketing fervor in Pakistan has reached a crescendo as the nation’s cricket team is set to lock horns with New Zealand in the opener of a much-anticipated five-match T20I series. The initial clash is scheduled for April 18 (Thursday), and the venue poised for the cricketing showdown is none other than Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
As Pakistan embraces this cricket series, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding the return of Babar Azam, who will lead the white-ball team as captain once more. Babar’s hiatus from captaincy followed Pakistan’s less-than-stellar performance at the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. In his stead, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), under Zaka Ashraf’s leadership, appointed Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi as skippers of the Test and T20I format, respectively.
However, Shaheen Afridi’s tenure as T20I captain was short-lived, concluding after just one bilateral series. This reshuffling of roles saw Babar Azam reinstated as the white-ball captain of the senior men’s cricket team.
Moreover, this series is particularly noteworthy because it heralds the international returns of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, both of whom had previously announced retirements from international cricket. Fast bowler Amir and all-rounder Wasim’s return to the fold comes as Pakistan begins to eye contenders for their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad.
On the flip side of the coin, New Zealand arrives with a squad that lacks their typical star power. Their main roster is currently engaged in the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), leaving the Kiwis to navigate the series with a second-string lineup.
Fans eager to catch every moment of the T20I action between Pakistan and New Zealand can stream the series live. Those in India can turn to the FanCode app and website to satisfy their cricket-viewing appetites.
As the preparations for the opening clash move forward, let’s take a glance at the men who will don their national colors.
Pakistan comes forth with a strong squad featuring:
Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, and Zaman Khan.
New Zealand, though missing some key players, still fields a competitive team including:
Michael Bracewell (captain), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.
This series serves not just as a battleground of cricket but also as an avenue for players to cement their place, make comebacks, and showcase their worth as the T20 World Cup edges closer. While all eyes will be on the experienced players, it also presents a golden chance for emerging talents to shine on an international stage.
All set for the evening lights and the roar of the crowd, both teams are geared up for a series filled with fireworks. With the stage set and teams at the ready, cricket enthusiasts worldwide wait with bated breath for the commencement of what promises to be an exciting collection of T20 matchups between Pakistan and New Zealand.
