New Zealand shuffle the squad ahead of T20I series decider against Pakistan

The Pakistan team is touring New Zealand for a 5-match ODI series and 3 T2oIs. The Kiwis had clean swept the visitors in the One-Day International series earlier. Pakistan have garnered some serious criticism from the fans and experts following their disappointing string of performances. However, they made a comeback in the T20I series after losing the first game. The series now stands levelled 1-1.

The decider of the series will be played on Sunday at Mount Maunganui. In the second T20I, the Pakistanis showed great character. They won the toss and elected to bat first and put over 200 runs on the board that proved to be a winning total and their margin was as comprehensive as 48  runs.

Troubles for New Zealand ahead of the 3rd T20I

For the series decider, the Kiwi team will miss the services of in-form Colin Munro. He was spectacular for them in both the ODI and T20I series. He also played a crucial knock in the first T20I to see New Zealand through. However, ahead of the series decider, he injured his hamstring.

The selectors have thus decided to rope in former Kiwi skipper, Ross Taylor as a replacement and it is likely that he will take the field on Sunday at Bay Oval. Also, wicketkeeper Glenn Philips is dropped from the side for the final T20I. Glenn is now replaced by Tom Blundell who will take up the keeping responsibilities.

Philips was released to play in the domestic 50-over tournament owing to his poor form with the bat. Blundell, on the other hand, got the nod after a year. He made his only previous T20 appearance for the Black Caps at the same venue.

“Colin picked up a minor injury during the match at Eden Park and, with a busy schedule coming up, we want to make sure he gets it right before getting back on the field,” selector Gavin Larsen said.

“We’ll assess Colin ahead of Monday when we announce the squad to go to Australia and, at this stage, we are optimistic he’ll be available,” he added. “It’s a luxury to be able to bring someone of Ross’s experience into the squad as his replacement,” Larsen stated.

“After discussion with Glenn, we felt he’d benefit from going back and continuing to evolve his game with Auckland. Glenn has a big future, but at this point in time we both think continuing to get experience on the domestic scene is the right move,” he concluded.