Pakistan’s young brigade set for T20I battle with depleted New Zealand

Pakistan arrived in Christchurch on Thursday ahead of their highly anticipated T20I series opener against New Zealand on March 16.

The opening match at the Hagley Oval is on track for a sold-out crowd, with fewer than 500 tickets remaining for the 8,500-seat venue. This five-match T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series, making it a crucial three-week tour for both teams.

Pakistan’s redemption tour

Pakistan enters the series seeking redemption after a disastrous ICC Champions Trophy campaign at home, where they failed to secure a single win. They suffered defeats against New Zealand and arch-rivals India, while their match against Bangladesh was washed out. This will be their first white-ball series since that disappointing outing, making the series against New Zealand a significant opportunity to rebuild momentum and regain confidence.

The most notable change in the Pakistan camp is the appointment of Salman Agha as T20I captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. Shadab Khan has been named vice-captain, with three uncapped players—Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali—joining the squad. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) emphasized that these leadership changes are part of their long-term planning for the 2025 ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Interim head coach Aqib Javed continues to guide the team, extending his tenure beyond the Champions Trophy. Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach, aiming to revive Pakistan’s underperforming batting lineup.

Pakistan’s likely XI and key players

The Pakistan squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents. Hasan Nawaz is likely to open alongside the returning wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, while Usman Khan is expected at one-down. Captain Salman Agha and vice-captain Shadab Khan will stabilize the middle order, with Abdul Samad or Irfan Khan Niazi slotting in at No. 6. Lower-order hitting responsibilities fall to Khushdil Shah, who also provides an additional spin option.

Pakistan’s bowling attack boasts senior pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, with Jahandad Khan or Abbas Afridi likely filling the third seamer’s role. The spin department will see a choice between Sufiyan Muqeem or Abrar Ahmed as the specialist spinner.

Pakistan T20I Squad: Salman Ali Agha (capt), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan.

New Zealand’s Fresh Look

New Zealand will be led by allrounder Michael Bracewell in a series that sees several key players absent due to IPL commitments. Bracewell, who previously captained New Zealand during their tour of Pakistan in April 2024, will have an opportunity to showcase his leadership once again.

"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 in an NZC statement. "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.”

The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Notably, James Neesham, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert have committed to New Zealand’s T20I plans ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Neesham, fresh off a stunning 128* in the Ford Trophy, returns alongside Allen, who impressed in the Big Bash League. Wicketkeeper-batter Seifert also makes his comeback following strong domestic performances.

Legspinner Ish Sodhi returns to the squad, particularly in the absence of regular captain Mitchell Santner. Sodhi’s recent Super Smash performances, where he maintained an economy rate of 7.00, make him a key weapon for New Zealand’s spin attack.

New Zealand T20I Squad: Michael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

Series Outlook

New Zealand will be keen to assert dominance at home, but Pakistan, despite their recent struggles, remains a dangerous T20 side. The visitors boast firepower in both the batting and bowling departments, with young talents eager to make their mark. The key to Pakistan’s success will be adapting to New Zealand conditions quickly and ensuring their middle order delivers under pressure.

For New Zealand, the challenge will be handling Pakistan’s pace attack, particularly the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The absence of IPL-bound players means the Kiwis will rely heavily on Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bracewell, and Neesham for stability. If their explosive top order, led by Allen and Seifert, can fire, New Zealand will pose a serious threat.