New Zealand vs Pakistan: Hosts name 15-member squad for T20I series

The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) recently announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan. The Kiwis are set to play the shortest format of the game against the Men in Green after the conclusion of the ongoing ODI assignment. The hosts have an unassailable lead of 4-0 in the five-match series. After the final ODI on January 19, the action will move to the T20 cricket with the first match set to be played on January 22 in Wellington.

New Zealand selectors have the habit of making unique selections. This time around as well, they have named certain players for certain games. Senior pacer Trent Boult who had wreaked havoc in one of the ODIs earlier in the series, has been rested for the final ODI and the first T20I. Seth Rance has been named as his replacement for both the fixtures.

Meanwhile, left arm pacer Ben Wheeler has earned a recall in to the squad. He was last seen playing against South Africa in February 2017. The New Zealand Chief Selector quoted that Wheeler has the ability to swing the ball and is very handy with the bat too. Hence, he will be a value addition to the side.

“Ben’s ability to swing the ball makes him a threatening bowler and his batting power and athleticism in the field compliments that nicely. It will be nice to see more of Ben and Seth while we manage the workloads of Tim and Trent,” Gavin Larsen, the New Zealand chief selector, quoted as per the quotes in Cricbuzz. Senior batsman Ross Taylor will be available only for the first T20I. Different players, including Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, will be rested for different matches in the series.

New Zealand T20 squad:

Kane Williamson (c), Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor (1st game only), Tom Bruce, Glenn Phillips, Colin de Grandhomme, Anaru Kitchen, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (1st and 3rd games only), Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson (2nd and 3rd games only), Ben Wheeler, Seth Rance, Trent Boult (2nd and 3rd games only).

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