ZCZC
BSP-05
CRICKET-NZL-PAK-TOSS
New Zealand to bowl in first T20 against Pakistan
WELLINGTON, Jan 22, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – New Zealand won the toss and elected
to bowl against Pakistan in the first of three matches between the world’s
top two ranked Twenty20 sides in Wellington on Monday.
The hosts are on a high having just swept the one-day series against
Pakistan and are backing themselves to continue that form as they switch to
the shortest form of the game.
However, they suffered a setback hours before the match when captain Kane
Williamson was withdrawn as a precautionary measure after complaining of a
tight thigh.
Stand-in skipper Tim Southee said it was “not a typical” wicket at Westpac
Stadium but he opted to bowl “as hopefully we will get something out of it
early on.”
New Zealand are resting fast bowlers Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson for
the match.
Pakistan will be without Shoaib Malik who is out of the series after a
delayed concussion suffered during the fourth ODI.
However, Hasan Ali who missed the final ODI with a groin strain has been
declared fit and named in the starting line up.
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Tom Bruce, Ross
Taylor, Anaru Kitchen, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee
(capt), Ish Sodhi, Seth Rance.
Pakistan: Umar Amin, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed, Babar Azam,
Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashradf, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Rumman
Raees.
Umpires: Wayne Knights (NZL), Chris Brown (NZL)
TV Umpire: Shaun Haig (NZL)
Match referee: Richie Richardson (WIS)
BSS/AFP/MSY/0916 hrs