New Zealand suffer major setbacks ahead of T20I series against Pakistan

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New Zealand opener Finn Allen and pace bowler Adam Milne have been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20 International series against Pakistan due to injuries.

Both players sustained their injuries during a training session just hours before the team's scheduled departure to Pakistan.

Finn Allen is dealing with a back injury, while Adam Milne, a crucial part of New Zealand's bowling attack, has succumbed to an ankle injury.

"We feel for both Finn and Adam, suffering injuries so close to the start of the tour. They have been strong performers for us in the T20 format since the last World Cup," New Zealand coach Gary Stead said.

"Our support staff and medical networks will be working closely with both players over the next few weeks to complete plans for their treatment and subsequent return to cricket."

Medical assessments have confirmed that neither player will be fit in time to participate in the five-match series starting next week in Rawalpindi.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell and all-rounder Zak Foulkes have been named as their replacements. Blundell, who has previous experience touring Pakistan, is expected to add stability to the batting lineup and take over the wicketkeeping duties. Meanwhile, Zak Foulkes will be making his debut in the Blackcaps squad.

"Zak has had an impressive season for Canterbury including being their leading wicket-taker in all three competitions," Stead said. "He has displayed impressive skills with the ball, particularly in T20 cricket for the Kings. We also know he has skills with the bat and it will be an excellent opportunity for him to be part of the group."

The New Zealand team is set to arrive in Pakistan on April 14th for the five-match T20 series commencing on April 18th, with three matches scheduled in Pindi and the remaining two in Lahore.

Pakistan squad:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr

New Zealand squad:

Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi