Michael Bracewell to Lead New Zealand in Home T20I Series Against Pakistan

New Zealand cricket fans have a new reason to cheer as all-rounder Michael Bracewell steps up to captain the Black Caps in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan. This will be Bracewell’s first time leading the team at home, having previously captained New Zealand during their away series against Pakistan last year.

The series squad features only seven players from the recent Champions Trophy team. Several key players, including regular captain Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Bevon Jacobs, are unavailable due to IPL commitments. However, the team welcomes back Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and James Neesham, who missed the previous series due to their participation in T20 leagues.

Veteran leg-spinner Ish Sodhi makes a comeback after missing the Sri Lanka series, while pacer Ben Sears returns following a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the Champions Trophy. Pacers Kyle Jamieson and William O’Rourke have also been included but will only play in the first three matches to manage their workload.

New Zealand T20I Squad vs Pakistan-

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

Bracewell expressed his excitement about leading the team again, calling Pakistan a “dangerous” opponent. “It’s a great honour and a real privilege to captain your country,” he said. “I really enjoyed leading the side in Pakistan last year, and we’ve got many players from that squad included for this series as well, which is nice.”

He also praised Mitchell Santner’s leadership and emphasised creating an enjoyable environment for the team. “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 added.

“It’s always great to be playing at home in front of home fans.”

Hear from Michael Bracewell as he prepares to lead the T20I team for the first time on home soil. The KFC T20I series against Pakistan starts on Sunday at Hagley Oval 🏏 #NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/Z8rxjLSf0e

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 11, 2025

Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Bracewell acknowledged Pakistan’s strengths. “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 series marks New Zealand’s return to home soil, and Bracewell is eager to play in front of their fans. “We’ve loved all of the support we’ve received from afar and are certainly looking forward to getting back home and playing in front of our own fans and in full venues,” he said.

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