Sun Mar 16 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Bracewell to Captain New Zealand in T20 Series Against Pakistan
**Christchurch, New Zealand** – Michael Bracewell will lead New Zealand in a five-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting this Sunday at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The series sees a depleted New Zealand side due to several key players’ participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Missing are regular captain Mitchell Santner, along with Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, and Kane Williamson. Bracewell, who played a significant role in New Zealand’s Champions Trophy final run, will captain the side for the first time on home soil. Ish Sodhi returns to the squad, alongside Ben Sears, who has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Pakistan, coming off a disappointing Champions Trophy exit where they failed to win a single match, will be captained by Salman Agha, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain. Three uncapped players – Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali – have been included in the squad due to the absence of senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
The first T20I begins Sunday at 6:15 AM IST (local time), with the toss at 6:15 AM IST. The match will be televised live on Sony Sports Network in India and streamed on Sony LIV and Fancode.
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