Tag: Pakistan New Zealand

CHRISTCHRUCH: The trophy for the T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand has been unveiled on Thursday here at Port Hills.

Pakistan top order batter Mohammad Harisn and New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi jointly unveiled the trophy ahead of the five-match T20 international series.

Earlier, the squad led by captain Agha Salman reached New Zealand. The players will rest today before hitting the nets at 1 p.m. local time tomorrow.

The 16-member squad features several players, including Abdul Samad and Hassan Nawaz.

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Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand will kick off with the first T20I in Christchurch on 16 March.

The Pakistan cricket team will then travel to Dunedin to play the second game on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on March 23 and 26, respectively.

Following the conclusion of the T20I series, the two sides will face off in Napier in the first ODI, scheduled for 29 March.

The second ODI will be played on 2 April in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the third and final ODI on 5 April.

Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk)

Read: Former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill found guilty in drug case

CHRISTCHURCH: Pakistan T20I squad arrived in New Zealand on Thursday ahead of the five-match series against New Zealand, set to commence on March 16.

The Men in Green will face the Black Caps in five T20Is and three One Day Internationals (ODIs) till April 5.

The squad led by captain Agha Salman will rest today before hitting the nets at 1 p.m. local time tomorrow.

The squad features a bunch of players, including Abdul Samad and Hassan Nawaz.

Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand will kick off with the first T20I in Christchurch on 16 March.

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The Pakistan cricket team will then travel to Dunedin to play the second game on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on March 23 and 26, respectively.

Following the conclusion of the T20I series, the two sides will face off in Napier in the first ODI, scheduled for 29 March.

The second ODI will be played on 2 April in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the third and final ODI on 5 April.

Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk)

Read: PCB Chairman intervenes over reduced match fees for domestic cricketers

Pakistan’s batting coach Mohammad Yousuf on Tuesday confirmed his availability for the New Zealand tour after reporting improvement in his daughter’s health, ARY News reported.

The development came hours after it was reported that the former captain withdrew from the Pakistan cricket team’s tour to New Zealand due to the deteriorating health of his daughter.

The report said that the national side would be without a batting coach after Mohammad Yousuf had notified the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of his decision.

However, the former Pakistan captain has now reversed his decision on the back of an improvement in his daughter’s health.

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Explaining his decision, Mohammad Yousuf said that doctors have informed the family about improvement in his daughter’s health.

“Touring with the Pakistan cricket team is a national duty and I am going to discharge it,” he said in a statement.

It is noted here that Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand will kick off with the first T20I in Christchurch on 16 March.

The Pakistan cricket team will then travel to Dunedin to play the second game on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on March 23 and 26, respectively.

Following the conclusion of the T20I series, the two sides will face off in Napier in the first ODI, scheduled for 29 March.

The second ODI will be played on 2 April in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the third and final ODI on 5 April.

LAHORE: Salman Ali Agha, the new captain of Pakistan for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, has vowed to adopt a ‘fearless and high-risk’ style of cricket.

Agha, who became the fourth different T20I captain for Pakistan since January 2024, has promised to play a fearless style of cricket.

The new skipper recognized the duty as a ‘challenge’ and outlined his intention to adapt his game to fit the demands of modern day cricket.

“It’s an honour for me and also a challenge. We’ve brought a few youngsters into the team who have been playing the domestic cricket brand that we want to play on the national side going forward,” he remarked.

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“We have to focus on our intent and approach. We have to improve that. In modern-day cricket these things are important.This is a young team and we want to play fearless cricket.”

He also cautioned that there would be setbacks throughout the transition phase and encouraged fans to stand by them.

“That is high-risk cricket, which is a requirement in modern cricket. There will be failures with that approach, but we have to support our players,” the skipper said.

The series between Pakistan and New Zealand will run from 16 March 16 to 5 April, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series will kick off in Christchurch on 16 March, while the second match is scheduled to be played in Dunedin on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.

Following the T20I series, the teams will travel to Napier for the first ODI, scheduled for 29 March. The second ODI will be played on 2 April in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the final ODI on 5 April.

Pakistan T20I squad for New Zealand tour

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk)

Read: Champions Trophy 2025 final to take place in Dubai after India’s qualification

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s right-arm pacer Naseem Shah is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone amid the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand.

Naseem, who made his international debut against Australia in 2019, has 98 wickets to his name in international cricket and is just two strikes away from joining his teammates Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir and others in the 100-wicket club.

Out of his 98 wickets, 24 came against Sri Lanka, followed by 23 against New Zealand and 11 against the Netherlands.

Naseem Shah’s tally of international wickets comprised 51 Tests, 32 ODIs and 15 T20I wickets.

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For the unversed, Pakistan will host New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, scheduled to run from April 18.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April before action shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand squad

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes.

Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule

April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi

April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore

April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore

READ: Rain likely to hinder Pakistan-New Zealand T20I series

RAWALPINDI: The first three T20Is of the five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled to be played here on April 18, 20 and 21, are likely to be affected by rain.

According to weather forecasts, there could be heavy rain in Islamabad and Rawalpindi throughout this week, which may impact the upcoming series between Pakistan and New Zealand, especially the first three fixtures here on April 18, 20, and 21.

There are 60 per cent chance of rain, during the day and 80 per cent at night on April 18 when the first T20I shall be played.

The rain probability increases to 84 on April 20 before it significantly drops down to 20 per cent on April 21.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s inexperienced squad reached Islamabad on Sunday, whereas, the national team has also assembled at a local hotel in the capital.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April before action shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand squad

Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes.

Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule

April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi

April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi

April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore

April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore

READ: New Zealand squad arrives in Pakistan for T20I series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, unveiled match officials for the five-match T20I series Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled to commence on April 18 in Rawalpindi.

Andy Pycroft, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control team that includes five umpires, namely Ahsan Raza (elite panellist), Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz (all from the ICC’s international panel), who will share umpiring responsibilities.

Pycroft, a former Zimbabwe Test batter, has to date refereed in 144 T20Is. When he will stand in the second T20I on 20 April, he will move ahead of Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle in second place in the list of match referees to officiate in most T20Is. The list is headed by New Zealand’s Jeff Crowe (175).

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Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April before action shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.

Umpire and match referee appointments:

18 April – First T20I. Ahsan Raza and Aleem Dar (on-field umpires), Faisal Afridi (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)

20 April – Second T20I. Asif Yaqoob and Aleem Dar (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)

21 April – Third T20I. Ahzan Raza and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Aleem Dar (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)

25 April – Fourth T20I. Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Ahsan Raza (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)

27 April – Rashid Riaz and Faisal Afridi (on-field umpires), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)

READ: Depleted New Zealand sustain major blow ahead of Pakistan T20Is

LAHORE: Bilal Afzal, a member of Pakistan men’s selection committee, explained wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan’s inclusion in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand.

Afzal, who also served as provincial minister under Mohsin Naqvi-led caretaker Punjab setup, revealed that Azam’s selection was a unanimous decision, considering his standout performances in the Caribbean.

“Selecting Azam Khan was a unanimous decision by the selectors. His performances (stats) on the pitches of the Caribbean have been a standout.

“We thought to give him a proper chance so he could prepare himself for the upcoming World Cup. It will build his confidence and we want him to win this World Cup for us,” he added.

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Despite boasting an exceptional record in franchise cricket, Azam Khan had a forgetful start to his international career, managing only 29 runs in eight matches with the highest score of 10.

Pakistan squad for T20I series against New Zealand

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir

Non-travelling reserve: Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha.

New Zealand are slated to reach Pakistan on April 14, two days after Pakistan’s squad announcement, for the crucial series, leading to the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April.

The two sides will then travel to Lahore to lock horns in the remaining two T20Is on 25 and 27 April, respectively.

READ: Mohammad Amir opens up after Pakistan comeback

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has reacted to his inclusion in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Amir wrote: “Bismillah Hir-Rahman-Nir-Raheem” (In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful).

BISMILLAH HIR-RAHMAN-NIR-RAHEEM. pic.twitter.com/pgr6weyVML

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) April 9, 2024

For the unversed, Mohammad Amir, in March, took his retirement back from international cricket and declared himself available for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to run from June 1 in the USA and the West Indies.

“I still dream to play for Pakistan! life brings us to the points where at times we have to reconsider our decisions,” stated Amir.

“There has been few positive discussions between myself and the PCB where they respectfully made me feel that I was needed and can still play for Pakistan after discussing with family and we’ll wishers I declare that I am available to be considered for upcoming t20WC.

“I want do this for my country as it comes before my personal decisions. Donning the green jersey and serving my country has always been, and will continue to be, my greatest aspirations.”

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Mohammad Amir shockingly announced retirement from international cricket back in 2020 at the age of 28 citing differences with the then-team management.

Time and time again the star pacer was asked about making a comeback to international cricket, citing his exceptional performances in league cricket.

He claimed ten wickets in nine matches for Quetta Gladiators during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.

He has represented Pakistan in 50 T20Is and picked 59 wickets at an average of 21.40.

Pakistan squad for T20I series against New Zealand

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir

Non-travelling reserve: Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha

READ: Usman, Amir, Imad named in Pakistan’ squad for New Zealand series

Former Pakistan fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been named as the head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Azhar represented Pakistan in 164 internationals, taking 162 wickets and scoring 2,421 runs. Azhar’s previous assignment with the Pakistan men’s cricket team was from 2016-2019 when he was the bowling coach.

Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the senior team manager, while Mohammad Yousuf will be the batting coach.

Saeed Ajmal, who was the bowling coach on the last tours of Australia and New Zealand, will continue as the spin bowling coach.

Pakistan team player support personnel for New Zealand T20Is:

Wahab Riaz (senior team manager), Mansoor Rana (team manager), Azhar Mahmood (head coach), Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach), Saeed Ajmal (spin bowling coach), Aftab Khan (field coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saiman (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Butt (analyst), Irtiza Komail (security manager), Raza Kitchlew (media and digital manager), Zain Maqsood (videographer), Dr Khurram Sarwar (doctor), and Mohammad Imran (masseur).

Earlier on Monday, the national selection committee met Pakistan cricketers who featured in Kakul’s physical training camp at a local hotel in Islamabad.

Among the 29 players who featured in the camp, only Mohammad Rizwan was not present, as he had left for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah on Sunday night.

In the meeting, the selection committee took the players in confidence regarding the selection policy, which includes rotation policy and providing opportunities to new players.

The national selection committee members present at the meeting were Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Bilal Afzal, Hasan Cheema, Mohammad Yousuf and Wahab Riaz. Usman Wahla – Director International Cricket Operations also attended the meeting.

New Zealand are slated to reach Pakistan on April 14, two days after Pakistan’s squad announcement, for the crucial series, leading to the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April.

The two sides will then travel to Lahore to lock horns in the remaining two T20Is on 25 and 27 April, respectively.

READ: Babar Azam opens up on ‘painful’ defeat against Afghanistan in World Cup