Here is all you need to know about the first T20 international between New Zealand and Pakistan - preview, squads, head-to-head record, telecast and streaming details
Pakistan will hope to put the disappointment of the early Champions Trophy 2025 exit behind them when they take on New Zealand in the first T20 international of their five-match series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, March 16. Watch the cricket match live on TV and online. (More Cricket News)
With Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam both left out of the squad for the T20I series, Salman Ali Agha has taken over as captain of the Pakistan side, while all-rounder Shadab Khan has been recalled and appointed vice-captain. Mohammad Haris returns after a lengthy spell out of the team, while Saim Ayub remains unavailable with the ankle injury he picked up in South Africa.
As for the BlackCaps, all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been announced as the captain of a new-look T20I side, with many of their players headed to the Indian Premier League. Among the players picked for the series are Ben Sears, the fast bowler who has recovered from his hamstring injury, and Ish Sodhi, who missed the recent home series against Sri Lanka.
Speaking of recent T20I record, the Men In Green have won just one of their last five games, losing three (one match abandoned). The Kiwis, on the other hand, have won three and lost two of their previous five encounters. The recent head-to-head record has the two sides winning a couple of games apiece, with one no result in the past five clashes.
When and where will the first New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I be played?
The first New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 6:45am IST.
Where will the first New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I be telecast and live streamed?
The first New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I will be telecast on the Sony Sports Ten 5 SD and HD TV channels in India. It will be live streamed on the SonyLiv app and website in India.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
Pakistan: Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad, Salman Ali Agha (c), Irfan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyaan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan