The New Zealand Cricket Team is all set to host Pakistan in a five-match T20 international series starting on January 12, 2024. On Wednesday, January 3, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced a 13-member squad for the same.

New Zealand’s fast bowler Matt Henry has been named in the squad after recovering from the hamstring injury sustained during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. He will return to domestic action on January 5, before the T20I series.

On the other hand, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and left-handed batter Devon Conway have returned to the Black Caps squad for the T20I series against Pakistan after being rested for the limited-overs series against Bangladesh at home.

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Williamson, who has struggled with a knee problem for the last 12 months, will be rested for the third T20I against Pakistan, while uncapped Josh Clarkson has been included in the squad as cover for the match. In Williamson’s absence, Mitchell Santner will lead the hosts in the third match.

The young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was rested for the home T20I series against Pakistan, while star speedster Lockie Ferguson will join the New Zealand squad in the third game.

Here’s the New Zealand squad for the T20I series against Pakistan:

Kane Williamson (C) (matches 1, 2, 4 and 5), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson (match 3 only), Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson (matches 3, 4 and 5), Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears (matches 1 and 2), Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

Schedule for NZ vs PAK T20I series:

1st T20I - January 12, Eden Park, Auckland

2nd T20I - January 14, Seddon Park, Hamilton

3rd T20I - January 17, University Oval, Dunedin

4th T20I - January 19, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

5th T20I - January 21, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

(With ANI Inputs)