Pakistan’s cricket team is set to embark on a crucial white-ball tour of New Zealand, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. The team aims to bounce back from their disappointing Champions Trophy 2025 campaign as preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup gain momentum.
Salman Ali Agha Leads a Revamped T20I Squad
In a strategic move, Pakistan has named a youthful T20I squad under the leadership of newly-appointed captain Salman Ali Agha. With the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is investing in fresh talent to strengthen the team.
Pakistan will be missing key players Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman due to injuries, but three promising uncapped players – Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali – have been called up after outstanding performances in domestic cricket.
Agha’s Confidence Ahead of New Zealand Series
Expressing optimism ahead of the tour, Salman Ali Agha, who led Pakistan to a 2-1 series victory against Zimbabwe in his first assignment as captain, highlighted the significance of this opportunity for emerging players.
“We have some young players in the side, and it is an opportunity for them to showcase their talent at the international level after performing well in domestic cricket,” Agha stated via PCB.
He also emphasized the team’s dedication to delivering improved results in New Zealand, adding, “The team’s preparations are going well, and we will try to produce better results in New Zealand.”
Pakistan vs. New Zealand: Head-to-Head in T20Is
Pakistan holds a slight historical edge over New Zealand in T20I matchups, with 23 victories out of 44 encounters, while New Zealand has secured 19 wins. Their last T20I series, played just before the T20 World Cup 2024, ended in a 2-2 draw.
Pakistan T20I and ODI Squads for New Zealand Tour
T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan.
ODI Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.
Pakistan vs. New Zealand – Full Schedule
T20I Series:
- 1st T20I – March 16, Christchurch
- 2nd T20I – March 18, Dunedin
- 3rd T20I – March 21, Auckland
- 4th T20I – March 23, Mount Maunganui
- 5th T20I – March 26, Wellington
ODI Series:
- 1st ODI – March 29, Napier
- 2nd ODI – April 2, Hamilton
- 3rd ODI – April 5, Mount Maunganui
With an exciting mix of young talent and experienced players, Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand promises to be a crucial stepping stone toward building a formidable squad for future international tournaments. Stay tuned for live updates and match analysis as Pakistan takes on New Zealand in this thrilling white-ball series!