Pakistan’s newly appointed T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan has expressed confidence in the squad’s young talent ahead of the team’s departure for New Zealand.

Speaking at a pre-departure press conference on Wednesday, Shadab reaffirmed his commitment to the leadership role and emphasised the energy new players bring to the side.

“I have been entrusted with an additional role, and I will try my best to perform well,” Shadab said. “There are many young players in the squad. The energy and positivity of youth are different. We have high expectations from the debutants, and we hope to achieve success.”

The Pakistan cricket team left Lahore via Dubai and is set to arrive in Christchurch for the five-match T20I series, beginning on March 16. The squad includes newcomers Abdul Samad and Hassan Nawaz, both earning maiden call-ups.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has announced a 15-member squad for the series, featuring seven players from their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. All-rounder Michael Bracewell will lead the side, with senior spinner Ish Sodhi and pacer Ben Sears returning from injury.

Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke are set to play the first three T20Is, while experienced pacer Matt Henry, the leading wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy, will join for the final two matches.

New Zealand T20I squad vs Pakistan

Michael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes (games 4 & 5), Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry (games 4 & 5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1, 2 & 3), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1, 2 & 3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

Pakistan T20I squad vs New Zealand

Salman Ali Agha (capt), 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, Usman Khan.

Pakistan Tour of New Zealand – Schedule

• 16 Mar – 1st T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
• 18 Mar – 2nd T20I, University Oval, Dunedin
• 21 Mar – 3rd T20I, Eden Park, Auckland
• 23 Mar – 4th T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
• 26 Mar – 5th T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington
• 29 Mar – 1st ODI, McLean Park, Napier
• 2 Apr – 2nd ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton
• 5 Apr – 3rd ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui