Pakistan Vs New Zealand Series 2024

Cheer up all Cricket fans! Another interesting cricket series is on the way. Pakistan Vs New Zealand Series 2024

This Sunday, April 14th, the New Zealand men’s team arrived in Pakistan and the green shirts welcomed them with the tweet: “Welcome to Pakistan @BLACKCAPS!”. Their arrival this time is for a 5-match series between the two countries.

After January, now in April another five-match T20I series is happening between Pakistan and New Zealand. These matches are scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18th to April 27th, 2024. Three matches will occur in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two will be held in Lahore.

Two major events that are increasing the hype of this series are the Babar Azam’s regaining the Captain’s Title, and Muhammad Amir and Imad Wasim’s come back in international cricket. There’s another good news for the Pakistan team’s fans as well. Naseem Shah has finally recovered from his long-term injury and is now back in this international series.

It is the fourth time since December 2022, that New Zealand came to Pakistan to play the T20I series. In between Pakistan visited New Zealand 4 months back in January to play a five-match T20I series, which led to 4-1 success for New Zealand. By distance, both countries are miles apart, but their passion for cricket and their appreciation for each other playing spirit is just admirable. That’s why both countries keep on playing this series consecutively to keep the game spirit high.

Team Changes and Captains’ Return

Over the last 18 months, Pakistan has won just one series from New Zealand. Considering the history of Black Caps their team is considered Super strong. On the other hand, the Pakistan team is famous for turning the game to 180 degrees. They have the potential to win the game even in the 11^th hour.

For this series, particularly there are significant changes in both the teams. As for the New Zealand team, most of their players are occupied playing IPL in India. The rest of the team with some additions headed towards Pakistan. With the return to international cricket, New Zealand’s team has entrusted Michael Bracewell with the responsibility of captaincy for this series. Michael is a well-reputed all-rounder, but he has been absent from International cricket since last year’s March, due to some injury-related concern. Sam Wells, a New Zealand team selector said; “Michael has faced a long period on the sideline and it’s exciting to see him back playing cricket again”, showing complete trust in the captaincy of Michael. Michael’s return to a leading role is both, thrilling and, simultaneously a surprising challenge for Pakistan’s team.

Examining New Zealand’s Tactical Adjustments and Pakistan’s Response

Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner are skipping this tour, which can be a beneficial edge for Pakistan’s team. Various reasons have led to Will Young, Tim Southee, Colin Munro, and Tim Latham not being part of this series. They are being replaced by opener Finn Allen, all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, and spinner Ish Sodhi. There is the addition of further two names in Kiwi’s squad, making their T20I debut, O’Rourke and Tim Robinson after their impressive performances in test and domestic cricket.

Although there are many changes in the New Zealand team, critics believe this team is weaker yet braver. And they can be a surprising threat for the Pakistan Cricket team.

Positive changes have been made not only in the New Zealand team but also in the Pakistan team.

Before getting the squad changes, let’s have a look at the big changes that just happened in the selection panel Or the decision makers. A new seven-membered selection team has just been announced, having former players like Muhammad Yousuf, Wahab Riaz, Abdul-Razzaq, and Asad Shafiqe. This selection committee has no leader, and Wahab Riaz is no longer the chief selector. Muhammad Yousaf is the batting coach, and Bilal Afzal is the data analyst. The PCB chairman claimed that the new selection committee will make independent decisions, and selection will be only on a merit basis.

Pakistan vs new zealand series Pakistan squad

The Pakistan cricket team squad seems stronger now. Where Babar Azam has taken back the responsibility of the White-ball Captain. In an interview, Wahab Riaz said;

“When we announced the captain for the World Cup, we aimed for a highly experienced player with a history of captaincy, making Babar the obvious choice.”

This statement shows their trust in the captaincy of Babar Azam. Moreover, well-renowned fast bowler Muhammad Amir, and all-rounder Imad Wasim have taken their resignations back from international cricket, Claiming that Pakistan always comes first for them. They are also part of the team because of their good performances in PSL 9. Shadab Khan, who was the PSL’s Player of the tournament is also a part of the team. Saim Ayub’s performance graph has been steadily increasing for a long time, leading to his selection as well. Haris Rouf is not a part of a squad because of his frontline injury.

Apparently, Pakistan is not a weak side in this cricket series. They have the reputation of turning the game even at the last second, which is good as well as not-so-good sometimes. But this unexpected turn in their game further excites this series. We all are eagerly waiting to know, which team will emerge victorious.

More than a competitive Cricket series, this is a practicing series for both countries before the T20I World Cup in June. Continue to cheer for your favorite team, and just Enjoy the matches.

For all the Cricket Fans, here’s a Pakistan Vs New Zealand series 2024 Schedule for you all!