New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is set to bring his experience of playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8 to the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. Neesham, who played seven games under the leadership of Babar Azam, scored 87 runs and took six wickets in the tournament.
Reflecting on his PSL experience, Neesham noted that the atmosphere had changed since he last played in Pakistan, with warmer weather offering more swing for bowlers. Despite the conditions, Neesham emphasized the importance of sticking to the team’s plans and maintaining composure, particularly in what is expected to be high-scoring encounters.
As an experienced batter in an otherwise inexperienced New Zealand side, Neesham’s contribution will be crucial in the upcoming T20I series, as the team’s main players are currently busy playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Neesham has represented New Zealand in 71 ODIs and 63 T20Is.
The first T20I of the five-match series between New Zealand and Pakistan is scheduled to take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
The Pakistan squad for the series includes Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, and Zaman Khan.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand squad features Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, and Blair Tickner.
Neesham’s PSL experience will be valuable for the New Zealand team as they prepare to face Pakistan in the upcoming T20I series. With the absence of their main players, Neesham’s contribution as an experienced batter will be crucial for the team’s success in the series.
