The Black Caps’ T20 series against Pakistan (PAK vs NZ) just got a little trickier, with young gun Josh Clarkson ruled out of the third match due to a shoulder injury. This unexpected setback has forced New Zealand to call up Will Young as a last-minute replacement, casting a shadow over their hopes for a series win.
Clarkson, initially slated to join the squad for the Dunedin clash, will miss the action after picking up the injury playing for the Central Stags in the Super Smash. This leaves a significant void in the Black Caps’ middle order, where Clarkson’s explosive batting and energetic presence promised to be a valuable asset.
Captain Kane Williamson, who also missed the previous game due to rest, won’t be making the Dunedin trip either. This means the responsibility of navigating the crucial third T20 falls on the shoulders of the experienced Daryl Mitchell and the newly-added Will Young.
Young, a talented batter making his T20 return after impressing in longer formats, will join the squad after tomorrow’s match in Hamilton. His inclusion offers a ray of hope, bringing in additional stability and batting prowess to the lineup.
With the series at 1-0, the third T20 in Dunedin looms as a pivotal battle. Pakistan, led by the fiery Shaheen Shah Afridi, will be looking to capitalize on Clarkson’s absence and snatch the momentum. The Black Caps, however, remain a formidable force, and Young’s addition could breathe new life into their batting attack.
So, buckle up cricket fans, because the Black Caps and Pakistan are set to deliver another nail-biting duel in Dunedin. Can the hosts overcome Clarkson’s injury and Young step up to the plate? Or will Pakistan seize the opportunity and take control of the series? The answers await on the 17th of January, where the action unfolds on the picturesque University Oval.
PAK vs NZ T20 Schedule
2nd T20I – January 14, 2024 at Seddon Park in Hamilton – 11:40 AM IST
3rd T20I – January 17, 2024 at University Oval in Dunedin – 5:30 AM IST
4th T20I – January 19, 2024 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch – 11:40 AM IST
5th T20I – January 21, 2024 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch – 5:30 AM IST
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt) (except game 3), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Will Young (game 3 only), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ben Sears (games 1 & 2), Lockie Ferguson (games 3, 4 & 5).
Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan.
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