Michael Bracewell to lead New Zealand in T20Is against Pakistan

Michael Bracewell will lead New Zealand in their upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed in a media release. Batter Tim Robinson gets his maiden call-up, while William O'Rourke, who made his Test and One-Day International (ODI) debuts recently, is now part of New Zealand's T20I set-up as well.

Bracewell returned to action in January 2024 after being out of action for a year. He had a ruptured Achilles and then a broken finger, which has kept him out for about a year. He recently played a few games in the Super Smash and returned to the Plunket Shield. In fact, he finished with career-best bowling figures of 8/41 in a Plunket Shield game against Otago. He last played for New Zealand in a Test against Sri Lanka in March last year.

The all-rounder takes charge of the Blackcaps for the first time as many frontline players are unavailable due to their participation in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, among other reasons. Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner and Kane Williamson are all part of the IPL.

However, Will Young will play for Nottinghamshire, Tom Latham misses out as he awaits the birth of his second child, Tim Southee will undergo conditioning after a long season and Colin Munro is also unavailable for selection during the T20Is.

"Michael has faced a long period on the sideline, and it's exciting to see him back playing cricket again," New Zealand selector Sam Wells said. 

"The fact he's back playing at a high level after an Achilles rupture is testament to his hard work and application. He's a well-respected leader and has captaincy experience for Wellington along with New Zealand A and New Zealand XI teams, which we believe holds him in good stead to lead the group in Pakistan."

Robinson gets an opportunity at the back of an impressive season finishing as the second-highest run-getter in the latest Super Smash with 298 runs, despite featuring in just six off Wellington's 11 matches, largely thanks to a 64-ball 139 against Otago. O'Rourke, who has played two Tests and three ODIs, too impressed in the tournament, picking up 12 wickets at 19.41, conceding at less than eight an over.

"Tim is still very early in his domestic career but his natural ability and explosive power was on full display this season. Combined with his outstanding fielding, we believe he has a skill-set that's well suited to the format. We've been delighted with Will's early efforts in international cricket, in both the formats he's played so far. This tour will be an excellent chance for him to test his skills in foreign conditions," Wells added.

New Zealand and Pakistan will clash in a five-match T20I series starting April 18 in Rawalpindi. The next two games on April 20 and 21 will also be played at the same venue before the action shifts to Lahore, where the final two games will be played on April 25 and 27.

New Zealand squad for Pakistan T20Is: Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, William O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi