Pakistan vs New Zealand, T20I series: All we know
What's the story
Pakistan and New Zealand are set to lock horns in a five-match T20I series, starting April 18.
With the ICC T20 World Cup taking place later this year, both teams will look to test their bench strength.
Babar Azam is back as Pakistan's skipper, while Michael Bracewell will lead the Black Caps.
Have a look at the statistical preview.
Record
Head-to-head record: Pakistan 21-17 NZ
Pakistan dominate New Zealand in terms of T20I head-to-head record as they have won 21 games and lost 17 (NR: 1).
On Pakistan soil, the two teams are level on wins (2-2). One match was washed out.
Pakistan's last T20I assignment against NZ was a five-match series in January this year. The Black Caps handed Pakistan a 4-1 series defeat at home.
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14 wins each in bilateral series
Pakistan and New Zealand are level on wins in terms of bilateral series. The two teams have clashed in 29 bilateral matches, with each of them winning 14 (NR: 1). Pakistan have a 5-2 lead over NZ in multilateral tournaments.
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Will Pakistan's wait come to an end?
Pakistan haven't defeated NZ in a bilateral T20I series in nearly five years. Their last win came in 2018 when they routed NZ 3-0 in UAE. The Black Caps then won in 2020 and 2024.
NZ
A look at NZ's squad
NZ's senior players are currently featuring in the Indian Premier League. These include Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, and Lockie Ferguson, among others.
As mentioned, Bracewell will lead the side.
Squad: Michael Bracewell (captain), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Zack Fowlkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.
Pakistan
A look at Pakistan's squad
Babar, who stepped down as Pakistan's all-format skipper following their 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, has reclaimed his role. Shaheen Afridi had earlier replaced him.
Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohmmad Amir, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, and Zaman Khan.
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Schedule and streaming details
Rawalpindi will host the first three T20Is on April 18, 20, and 21. The two teams will move to Lahore for the next two games (April 25 and 27). While the match won't be aired live in India, live streaming is available on FanCode app.