With the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaching, New Zealand has rested the players who regularly play in this shortest format for the five-match T20 International series against Pakistan. New Zealand will host this series starting on March 16. The IPL will start on March 22.

Michael Bracewell, who performed well for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, has been given the command of the team due to regular captain Mitchell Santner being rested. Apart from Bracewell, six other players who played in the Champions Trophy have also been given a place in the team.

Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and limited overs team captain Santner were not available for selection due to their commitments in the IPL. Kyle Jamieson and Will Oruk have been included only for the first three matches of the series, as the selectors want to reduce the work management of the fast bowlers returning from the Champions Trophy.

Fast bowler Matt Henry, who could not play in the final against India due to injury, has been selected for the team for the fourth and fifth matches, while Kane Williamson's name was not considered for selection after he declared himself unavailable.

Team for T20 series: Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Jack Faulks (for the fourth and fifth matches), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (for the fourth and fifth matches) Kyle Jamieson (for the first three matches), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will Oruk (for the first three matches), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

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