Pakistan’s newly-appointed T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, has expressed his determination to lead the national side to strong performances in their upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, set to begin on March 16.

Agha, who took charge of Pakistan’s T20I team during their successful 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe last year, was speaking to the media in Christchurch New Zealand ahead of Sunday’s series opener.

He said the team’s preparations were on track, with the squad ready to face the challenges ahead. He highlighted the opportunity for young players to showcase their talents in the series after strong domestic performances.

“The team’s preparations are going well, and we will try to produce better results in New Zealand,” Agha said. “We have some young players in the side, and it is an opportunity for them to showcase their talent at the international level after performing well in domestic cricket.”

The first match of the series will take place at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, with subsequent games scheduled for March 18 and 21 in Dunedin and Auckland, respectively. The series will conclude with the final two T20Is in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on March 23 and 26.

Following the T20I series, Pakistan will face New Zealand in three One-Day Internationals, which will be held from March 29 to April 5.

Pakistan’s T20I squad for the series includes Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, and Usman Khan.

The team will be supported by a comprehensive player support staff, including team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, interim head coach Aaqib Javed, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, and several specialists across coaching, fitness, and medical disciplines.

New Zealand Tour Schedule:

• 16 Mar – First T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
• 18 Mar – Second T20I, University Oval, Dunedin
• 21 Mar – Third T20I, Eden Park, Auckland
• 23 Mar – Fourth T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
• 26 Mar – Fifth T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington
• 29 Mar – First ODI, McLean Park, Napier
• 2 Apr – Second ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton
• 5 Apr – Third ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui