Introduction
Cricket, often dubbed a religion in many parts of the world, is set to witness another epic saga as Pakistan tours New Zealand for a T20 series in 2025. This series is not just another set of matches; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport, bringing together two formidable teams in a contest of skill, strategy, and sheer passion.
Historical Context
The rivalry between Pakistan and New Zealand in Twenty20 cricket has always fascinated me. Over the years, both teams have had their share of victories and defeats, each encounter adding a new chapter to their cricketing tales.
Series Schedule
- 1st T20I: March 16, 2025, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 2nd T20I: March 18, 2025, at University Oval, Dunedin
- 3rd T20I: March 21, 2025, at Eden Park, Auckland
- 4th T20I: March 23, 2025, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
- 5th T20I: March 26, 2025, at Sky Stadium, Wellington
Each venue, with its unique characteristics, promises a distinct challenge, adding flavor to the series.
Team Squads
Both teams have announced their squads, blending experience with youth:
Pakistan:
- Captain: Salman Ali Agha
- Vice-Captain: Shadab Khan
- Squad Members: 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
New Zealand
Captain: Michael Bracewell
Squad Members: Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (for games 4 & 5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (for games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (for games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (for games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
