New Zealand T20 Squad vs Pakistan Announced; Mitchell Santner Removed As Captain

Most of the top New Zealand players will be unavailable for the home five-match T20I series against Pakistan, which starts on March 16, due to their respective commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The selectors have handed the leadership duties to spin all-rounder Michael Bracewell for a different-looking side.

This series will be a return for the spinner in the position, having led the side during their trip to Pakistan in April 2024. The five-match T20I series ended in a drawn result by a 2-2 margin.

Ish Sodhi returns for New Zealand for home T20I series vs Pakistan

Most top-ranked players, including captain Mitchell Santer, openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, and others won’t be available for the home series due to the 20-over league, which starts on March 22. New Zealand just faced India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, which they lost by four wickets.

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Michael Bracewell looks forward to captaining the Kiwis against a dangerous short-form side packed with power and pace. He also pointed out how hurt that side would be after making an early exit from the group stage of the eight-team tournament.

“Mitch Santner's done a great job since taking over as white-ball captain, and I'll just be trying to build on his good work and create an enjoyable environment for the guys to perform in.” Bracewell expressed in an NZC statement.

Among the players selected for the series are Ben Sears, the fast bowler who has recovered from a hamstring injury. Ish Sodhi missed the recent home series against the same opposition and is also back for the Pakistan series.

Kyle Jamieson returned to the game after a long layoff in the Champions Trophy and will play the first three games of the five T20Is along with William O’Rouke as the New Zealand selectors are aiming to manage the workloads of the pacers from the ICC event. Matt Henry, who injured his shoulder at the semifinal and missed out on selection for the final two T20Is due to fitness, will play the last two games of the series.

Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham, and Tim Seifert are also on the side as they are looking forward to building up for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand shows faith in Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman

In the absence of Conway, Ravindra, and Phillips, New Zealand has gone with Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman in the side. Kane Willamson opted out of selection as he will have PSL commitments starting from April 11 with the Karachi Kings.

From the recent series against the Lankan side, top-order batter, Tim Robinson, fast bowler Zakary Foulkes and wicket-keeper Mitchell Hay, are also in the squad.

“We're certainly starting to narrow our sights on the ICC T20 World Cup in India next February and March. Half of this squad is only returning from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, and so we're going to need to manage those players carefully.” The New Zealand selector, Sam Wells, addressed this.

“The Pakistan series will provide an opportunity for all players to put their best foot forward and push their case for selection in the 15-player squad for next year's major global tournament.” He added.

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Each of these games will be a doubleheader with New Zealand Women facing Sri Lanka and Australia on the same day at the same venue.

New Zealand Squad For T20I Series vs Pakistan

Michael Bracewell (captain), 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.