Ex-RCB star set to lead New Zealand in upcoming T20I series against Pakistan

Bracewell set to lead New Zealand for Pakistan T20Is

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell is set to lead the Black Caps for the first time on home soil in their upcoming 5-match T20I series against Pakistan. Bracewell will be captaining a Kiwi squad which is missing several stars due to the IPL.

The likes of Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway and Lockie Ferguson aren’t available for the series due to their IPL duties. Not only this, star player Kane Williamson has also made himself unavailable for the series which is set to commence from Sunday.

“It’s a great honour and a real privilege to captain your country. 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 said.

“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,” Bracewell added.

On the other hand, pacer Ben Sears is back while the likes of Ish Sodhi, Jimmy Neesham, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert were also included in the Kiwi squad.

New Zealand squad for Pakistan T20Is: Michael Bracewell (C), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’ Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi