PAK vs NZ T20I: A couple of injuries have posed as a big challenge for the Kiwis ahead of their T20I tour of Pakistan, in the coming week. Fine batter Fin Allen and veteran pacer Adam Milne have been ruled out of the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20Is owing to the injuries. The development was confirmed by the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Board on Friday, April 12.
New Zealand have subsequently roped in Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and uncapped all-rounder Zak Foulkes to the squad for the Pakistan tour, which starts on April 18 in Rawalpindi.
While Foulkes has earned a maiden call-up to the shortest format side, Tom Blundell hasn’t tasted anything in the format for more than two years now.
Adam Milne, reportedly, injured his ankle during one of the training sessions, while Finn Allen suffered a back injury, just ahead of their departure to Pakistan for the five-match T20I series.
“The nature of their respective injuries meant they wouldn’t be able to take part in any of the five-match series, due to start next week in Rawalpindi,” NZC said in a statement. “Plans for their return to cricket will be confirmed in the coming weeks.”
It’s worth noting that New Zealand’s second-string squad has been picked for the PAK vs NZ T20Is due to their top players’ commitments in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The likes of Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra among others are a part of the IPL 2024 proceedings.
Talking about the presence of Tom Blundell in the series against Pakistan, New Zealand coach Gary Stead said, “Tom is a highly experienced player and along with his wicketkeeping and batting skillsets is a leader in any group he is a part of. He also brings recent experience in the conditions, having taken part in both tours to Pakistan last year.”
Meanwhile, the selection of Zak Foulkes, for the PAK vs NZ T20I series, has been based on his recent performances in the domestic games.
“Zak has had an impressive season for Canterbury including being their leading wicket-taker in all the competitions. He has displayed impressive skills with the ball, particularly in T20 cricket for the Kings. We also know he has skills with the bat and it will be an excellent opportunity for him to be part of the group.”
PAK vs NZ T20I Schedule
The PAK vs NZ five-match T20I series is set to begin on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. In fact, the first three T20I games between PAK vs NZ will be held at the same venue, before the actions shift to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the last two games of the series.
- 1st T20I: April 18 – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – 7:30 PM
- 2nd T20I: April 20 – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – 7:30 PM
- 3rd T20I: April 21 – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – 7:30 PM
- 4th T20I: April 25 – Gaddafi Stadium – 7:30 PM
- 5th T20I: April 27 – Gaddafi Stadium – 7:30 PM
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