New Zealand Faces Major Team Changes After Champions Trophy 2025 Final Loss
Following their defeat in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, the New Zealand cricket team has undergone significant changes as they prepare for the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan. The Black Caps had aimed to clinch their first ICC title in 25 years, but their loss in the final has prompted a reshuffle in the squad.
Michael Bracewell Named Captain, Star Players Unavailable
The most notable change in the squad is the appointment of Michael Bracewell as captain, replacing Mitchell Santner, who is unavailable for the series. The absence of key players, including Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Lockie Ferguson, will be a challenge for the New Zealand team.
Star Players Missing from the T20I Squad
Several of New Zealand’s top players have opted out of the T20I series against Pakistan, mainly due to their commitments in franchise cricket. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra will represent Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, while Lockie Ferguson will play for Punjab Kings. Mitchell Santner will be a part of Mumbai Indians, and Glenn Phillips will be seen in action for Gujarat Titans.
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson has decided not to participate in the IPL this year and will instead focus on the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, which begins on March 11.
Return of Ish Sodhi and Ben Sears Strengthens the Squad
The New Zealand squad sees the return of Ish Sodhi, who was absent from the domestic T20I series against Sri Lanka. Fast bowler Ben Sears, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury, has also made his comeback.
Additionally, Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke will be available for the first three matches, as the team aims to manage the workload of their fast bowlers post the ICC event. Matt Henry, who was the leading wicket-taker of the Champions Trophy 2025 but missed the final due to injury, has been named for the fourth and fifth matches, subject to a fitness test.
Complete New Zealand Squad for Pakistan T20I Series
- Michael Bracewell (Captain)
- Finn Allen
- Mark Chapman
- Jacob Duffy
- Jack Faulks (Matches 4-5)
- Mitch Hay
- Matt Henry (Matches 4-5)
- Kyle Jamieson (Matches 1-3)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Jimmy Neesham
- Will O’Rourke (Matches 1-3)
- Tim Robinson
- Ben Sears
- Tim Seifert
- Ish Sodhi
New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Sunday, March 16 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| 2nd T20I | Tuesday, March 18 | University of Otago Oval, Dunedin |
| 3rd T20I | Friday, March 21 | Eden Park, Auckland |
| 4th T20I | Sunday, March 23 | Bay Oval, Tauranga |
| 5th T20I | Wednesday, March 25 | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
Key Talking Points for New Zealand Ahead of the Series
1. Leadership Change and Team Adjustments
With Michael Bracewell stepping in as captain, the team will need to adapt to his leadership style. The absence of seasoned campaigners like Williamson and Santner places additional responsibility on younger players to step up.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses in the Squad
Despite missing big names, the Black Caps still have a strong core of all-rounders and pacers. The return of Ish Sodhi adds strength to the spin department, while Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham, and Tim Seifert provide firepower in the batting lineup.
3. Managing Workload of Fast Bowlers
With Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke playing only the first three matches and Matt Henry joining later, managing the fast-bowling workload will be crucial. Ben Sears will also be under focus as he makes his return from injury.
What to Expect from the Series?
With both teams undergoing transitions, this series will be a battle of emerging talents. Pakistan, known for their explosive T20 gameplay, will test New Zealand’s adaptability. The Black Caps will need to rely on their bench strength to challenge the visiting team and gain momentum before future tournaments.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Michael Bracewell’s leadership and how New Zealand manages the absence of some of their biggest stars.
Stay tuned for more updates as the New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I series unfolds.
