New Zealand opener Finn Allen believes that the five-match T20I series against Pakistan would be an awesome opportunity for the young Kiwi side to gain enough experience ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The likes of Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner and Kane Williamson will not be participating in the series against Pakistan due to their commitment to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Despite missing key players, Allen is hopeful that the squad announced for the Pakistan series has the required talent and would prove to be a handful for Babar Azam-led unit.
“It is an awesome opportunity with players being away at the IPL, for young guys such as Tim Robinson, who have shown their talent and had a good Super Smash tournament here in New Zealand during the summer,” Allen was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency on Friday.
“It is rewarding for those guys and allows them to get an opportunity at the top level to see where they stand against a formidable Pakistan side,” he said.
Michael Bracewell will lead the side and he has not played an international match since March 2023 after rupturing Achilles and a broken finger. He has only participated in domestic cricket since then.
“I guess with the upcoming series, we batted out with them at home not too long ago but it is on their turf now and we know from tours in the past, that they are pretty tough to beat at home,” the 24-year-old said.
“Hopefully, Mark Chapman can pull through for the boys again like last time, but I think it will be a good challenge and a good series,” he added.
The 24-year-old then hoped that with the chance he is given to play against Pakistan, he would be able to make the most of it and secure his spot in the World Cup.
“Every chance you get to play for New Zealand or represent your country is a try-out, and an opportunity to showcase your skills…hopefully, selection takes care of itself, just clear minded on going over to Pakistan and trying to contribute to winning a series,” he said.
New Zealand T20I squad for Pakistan tour
Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule
14 April — New Zealand arrive in Pakistan
16-17 April — Training/practice
18 April — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
20 April — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi
21 April — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi
25 April — 4th T20I, Lahore
27 April — 5th T20I, Lahore
- Finn Allen