New Zealand suffers major blow ahead of first T20 against Pakistan

New Zealand's all-rounder Mitchell Santner has tested positive for COVID, forcing him to miss the first T20I against Pakistan at Auckland's Eden Park. 

Santner, currently in isolation at the team hotel, will travel separately for the second T20I in Hamilton on Sunday, 14 January. This isn't Santner's first encounter with the virus; he had previously tested positive in 2022 before New Zealand's tour of Ireland.

New Zealand Cricket released a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying, "Mitch Santner won’t travel to Eden Park this evening for the opening KFC T20I against Pakistan after testing positive for COVID earlier today. He will continue to be monitored over the coming days and will travel solo home to Hamilton"

Mitch Santner won’t travel to Eden Park this evening for the opening KFC T20I against Pakistan after testing positive for COVID earlier today. He will continue to be monitored over the coming days and will travel solo home to Hamilton. #NZvPAK

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 12, 2024

Santner will not rejoin the team until he returns with a negative test, following the established protocol since the virus gained prominence in 2020.

Santner played a pivotal role in New Zealand's semi-final run at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, securing 16 wickets at an economy of 4.84. His form extended into the bilateral series against Bangladesh as well.

The upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan serves as part of New Zealand's preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup, captained by Kane Williamson. Pakistan, led by Shaheen Afridi, has already announced its playing XI, including debutant Saim Ayub as an opener, leading to Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman shifting to the middle-order.