New Zealand will be making their first T20I appearance since the Trans-Tasman tri-nation series final against Australia, which Kane Williamson and Co. lost in February.
The upcoming series – a three-T20I series against Pakistan followed by as many ODIs and Tests – is going to be their new head coach Gary Stead’s first international assignment, as New Zealand get ready to return to top-tier cricket after a seven-month break.
Trophy unveiling ceremony of #PAKvNZ T20I series. pic.twitter.com/GhM1TnH6ZA
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 30, 2018
“Yes, it’s an unusually long time between internationals,” Williamson said ahead of the first T20I.
“But there is a lot of cricket being played in different competitions and also the guys have had some cricket. I guess it makes the guys very excited to get back involved and a great country to come to play cricket against Pakistan, who are one of the strongest teams in the world at the moment.”
“We want to carry forward the winning momentum of the Australia series,” he said.
“It is an important series for us. The previous series against Australia is history now. New Zealand are a good team and they have been performing in T20 cricket. We will try to carry the momentum. The first match of is always of extreme importance. So, we will try to begin the series on a good note.
“They (New Zealand) have a strong team with ideal batsmen for Twenty20 and a balanced bowling attack so we need to set the tone from the first game by winning it.”
