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Maiden call-ups and new captain headline Blackcaps T20I squad to play Pakistan
A maiden international call-up for Wellington Firebirds batter Tim Robinson, and a first T20I call-up for Canterbury’s Will O’Rourke have headlined the Blackcaps T20I side to face Pakistan.
New Zealand have also named a new captain in Wellington’s Michael Bracewell. He will return to the side following a ruptured Achilles and a broken finger that ruled him out since July last year.
Robinson showed promise throughout the Super Smash, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer (playing only six games due to injury) with his 139 against the Otago Volts being the highest score in the 2023/24 competition and the second-highest in the history of the Super Smash.
O’Rourke shined for New Zealand on his test debut against South Africa taking match figures of 9/93, the best by a New Zealand bowler on debut. He also made his debut against Bangladesh in the ODI format. Blackcaps selector Sam Wells said that O’Rourke has the “ability to play all three formats for New Zealand.”
Bracewell takes the captaincy role after making a great return back to domestic cricket following his finger injury. He claimed career-best figures in the Plunket Shield fixture vs Otago of 8/41. He has captained Wellington before across all three formats.
Selector Wells said that Robinson has been “highly rated for a while” and shows “good technique.”
On Bracewell’s selection as captain, Wells credited his tactical nous to lead the side well.
The tour also sees the return of batting all-rounders Dean Foxcroft and Cole McConchie, both of whom led their respective domestic sides across the summer. Foxcroft has played just one game in T20Is for Aotearoa, whilst McConchie has played nine T20Is.
The pace bowling attack will be led by Adam Milne and he will be joined by one of the standout players of the summer Ben Sears. Auckland’s Ben Lister and Otago’s Jacob Duffy also make their way back into the squad.
All-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Josh Clarkson will be the two battling it out for the pace bowling option in the side. Clarkson is retained after the Australian tour while Neesham makes a return to the T20I side since the tour by Bangladesh late last year.
Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi are familiar names who have been selected and will all be looking to confirm their spot in the side for the T20 World Cup in the coming months.
Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner and Kane Williamson were all unavailable due to Indian Premier League commitments. Will Young was also not available due to County Championship Commitments and Tom Latham is awaiting the birth of his second child.
Tim Southee was not considered due to the fact he is taking a period of prolonged conditioning following a busy schedule.
Colin Munro was not available for selection with Wells stating that NZC had been in touch with Murno, but he made himself unavailable.
Wells also highlighted that they are close to nailing down the 15 for the World Cup, but there are still a few spots up for grabs. Munro was stated by Wells as a potential option in the case of injuries falling to other players in the top order.
Gary Stead will lead the group and will be assisted by Luke Ronchi as batting coach, Brendon Donkers as bowling coach, and James Foster who will assist.
Blackcaps T20 Squad for Pakistan
Michael Bracewell (c)
Finn Allen
Mark Chapman
Josh Clarkson
Jacob Duffy
Dean Foxcroft
Ben Lister
Cole McConchie
Adam Milne
Jimmy Neesham
Will O’Rourke*
Tim Robinson*
Ben Sears - done
Tim Seifert (WK)
Ish Sodhi
*Uncapped in the format
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