New Zealand announce squad changes for remaining T20Is against Pakistan

Matt Henry has been officially ruled out of the fourth and fifth T20Is against Pakistan due to a shoulder injury

PHOTO: NZC

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has been officially ruled out of the fourth and fifth T20Is against Pakistan due to a shoulder injury, as confirmed by the New Zealand Cricket Board on Saturday.

Although Henry had initially been named in the squad, he will now focus on his rehabilitation to recover from the injury. The right-arm pacer sustained the issue while taking a catch during New Zealand’s Champions Trophy semi-final victory over South Africa earlier this month, which had already ruled him out of the final against India.

To replace Henry for the final two games, Zakary Foulkes, who was originally selected only for the first three matches, has been retained. Foulkes impressed in his appearances, taking 1 for 11 in three overs in the first T20I and 0 for 32 in the second T20I, both of which New Zealand won.

In another squad change, pacer Kyle Jamieson has been omitted from the remaining matches. Jamieson was named Player of the Match in the first T20I after taking 3 for 8, but struggled in the third game, conceding 54 runs without taking a wicket in New Zealand’s only defeat of the series. Will O'Rourke, who was part of the squad for the first three games, will now replace Jamieson.

New Zealand’s fast-bowling attack continues to be led by Jacob Duffy, who has played in all three matches and is currently the leading wicket-taker of the series with seven wickets. James Neesham and Ben Sears have each featured in two matches, while spinners Ish Sodhi and captain Michael Bracewell have been a constant in all three encounters.

New Zealand currently leads the five-match series 2-1, with the fourth T20I set to take place on Sunday in Mount Maunganui, followed by the final T20I on Wednesday in Wellington.

New Zealand squad for remaining T20Is against Pakistan:

Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Zakary Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi.