The series marks the start of the run in to the 2024 T20 World Cup for both sides, which will take place in June later this year. The first match will take place on Friday, January 12 in Eden Park before the sides travel to Hamilton followed by Dunedin. Christchurch will host the final two matches, with the series set to conclude on January 21.

The five matches will be Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first assignment as Pakistan’s full time T20I captain after he was appointed to the position upon Babar Azam’s resignation in November. Pakistan will be without Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan who both miss the series with injuries. Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed as Pakistan’s vice captain in Shadab’s absence.

Kane Williamson returns to New Zealand’s squad as captain after he missed the side’s series against Bangladesh to continue his recovery from a knee injury. Mitchell Santner will take over the captaincy in the third match to allow Williamson to manage his workload.

Star of the 2023 World Cup Rachin Ravindra will not take part in the series. Ravindra has been rested from the action to allow him time to rest and recover after a busy several months of international cricket.

New Zealand v Pakistan T20Is full schedule

Friday, January 12: 1st T20I, New Zealand vs Pakistan, Eden Park, Auckland, 7:10pm
Sunday, January 14: 2nd T20I, New Zealand vs Pakistan, Seddon Park, Hamilton, 7:10pm
Wednesday, January 17: 3rd T20I, New Zealand vs Pakistan, University Oval, Dunedin, 1pm
Friday, January 19: 4th T20I, New Zealand vs Pakistan, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 7:10pm
Sunday, January 21: 5th T20I, New Zealand vs Pakistan, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 1pm

*all timings local