Pak Vs NZ: New Zealand announces squad for T20 series

The New Zealand Cricket Council has announced its squad to play the three T20 series against Pakistan starting from Friday at Eden Park.

“The blazing bats of Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway are once again set to light up the BLACKCAPS T20 top-order,” said the press release. “The duo were involved in a T20I world-record, a third-wicket stand of 181 against the West Indies less than a fortnight ago and have been rewarded with selection in a T20 extended squad – which also features the return of Kane Williamson and Trent Boult.”

According to the details, Williamson and Boult along with Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, and Daryl Mitchell will only be available for the December 20 game in Hamilton and December 22 match in Napier.

Moreover, due to a bone stress injury of the lumbar spine, Lockie Ferguson will not be able to be a part of the squad. Hamish Bannett has also been ruled out of the series with an abdominal tear.

“Otago Volts pace bowler Jacob Duffy has earned his first call-up to the Black Caps after impressive performances in domestic cricket and for New Zealand A. The 26-year-old’s been selected for the first game and will assemble with the squad in Auckland on Tuesday, December 15,” reads the NZC statement.

Gavin Larsen, New Zealand Cricket Selector said that this was the most difficult squads he has had to select in his career.

“A combination of form, injuries, and the overlapping of series has certainly added some complexity to this announcement.”

“I’d like to acknowledge the commitment of all the players who are having to show a large degree of flexibility and understanding this summer,” he added.

“We were thrilled Glenn and Devon were able to take their opportunities so well in the previous series and we’re keen to give them the chance to back that up against a strong Pakistan T20 outfit,” Larsen concluded.

Black Caps T20 Squad Game 1

Mitchell Santner (c)
Todd Astle
Doug Bracewell
Mark Chapman
Devon Conway

Jacob Duffy
Martin Guptill
Scott Kuggeleijn
Jimmy Neesham
Glenn Phillips
Tim Seifert (wk)
Ish Sodhi
Blair Tickner

Black Caps T20 Squad Games 2 and 3

Kane Williamson (c)
Todd Astle
Trent Boult

Devon Conway
Martin Guptill
Kyle Jamieson
Scott Kuggeleijn
Daryl Mitchell
Jimmy Neesham
Glenn Phillips
Tim Seifert (wk)
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee

Pakistan V New Zealand T20Is:

18 Dec – 1st T20I, Eden Park, Auckland

20 Dec – 2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Hamilton

22 Dec – 3rd T20I, McLean Park, Napier