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The post-World Cup revamp hasn't unfolded as planned for Pakistan, especially with their Test series in Australia yielding no victories once again. However, in T20 cricket, they enter with confidence following successful campaigns in the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, reaching the semifinals and going a step further. Despite a disappointing ODI World Cup in India prompting leadership changes, the excitement builds as Shaheen Afridi assumes captaincy, with Mohammad Rizwan as his deputy, freeing up Babar Azam.
Shaheen, among the world's leading fast bowlers, earned this leadership opportunity by guiding his PSL side to consecutive titles. With another T20 World Cup approaching, the series also serves as a chance for Pakistan to test inexperienced players in the squad. While Saim Ayub's international career has had a modest start, glimpses of potential were seen in the CPL. Aamer Jamal, impressive in Tests against Australia, may now earn T20 caps.
The bowling unit, strengthened by Haris Rauf's return, poses a challenge for New Zealand, who will also be cautious of Zaman Khan, last faced by them a year ago. Zaman's noteworthy BBL stint, claiming eight wickets in four games, adds to Pakistan's bowling strength. Kane Williamson returns to New Zealand's T20 side after over a year, and after a scrappy performance against Bangladesh, they face a formidable challenge in Pakistan, a stronger T20 opposition.
During the previous T20I held at this venue, Sri Lanka and New Zealand participated in a high-scoring tie, ultimately decided by a Super Over. However, a few days before that match, Sri Lanka suffered a setback by being bowled out for a mere 76 at the same venue. Match day is anticipated to have clear skies.
When: January 12, 11:10 AM PST
Where: Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand
All eyes will be on Matt Henry as he makes his comeback after sustaining an injury midway through the ODI World Cup. Devon Conway, who was given a rest during the Bangladesh series, is anticipated to reclaim his spot.
Pakistan
While attention will be on the new captain, Shaheen, Pakistan has selected several players with limited experience at this level. It will be intriguing to see how many of them seize the opportunity in the opening game.
Squads:
Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi(c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Sahibzada Farhan, Abbas Afridi, Haseebullah Khan
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson(c), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert(w), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Adam Milne,Ben Sears
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