Mitchell Santner, a left-arm all-rounder for New Zealand Bowling, has tested positive for COVID-19 in advance of the Twenty20 International series that begins in Auckland, New Zealand, today in Pak vs NZ match.
Pak vs NZ: Mitch Santner has COVID-19 before first T20I
Friday evening, New Zealand Cricket tweeted that Santner would not be attending the inaugural Twenty20 International at Eden Park Stadium against the tourists. The Kiwi cricket governing body stated that the player would be observed for several days.
“Mitch Santner, who tested positive for COVID earlier today, will not be attending the opening KFC Twenty20 International against Pakistan at Eden Park this evening.” In the days to come, he will revisit Hamilton on his own accord, under continued monitoring. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has meanwhile named its playing XI for a five-match Twenty20 International series against the New Zealanders.
In place of Babar Azam, left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will make his inaugural appearance as captain in today’s match. Rizwan and Saim will bat in the opening order, while Babar Azam will bat in the middle order. Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Iftikhar Ahmed will occupy the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions, respectively, at the crease. Usama Mir and Aamir Jamal will bat at number seven and eight, respectively.
Fourth in rank Pakistan last participated in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in April 2023, when they hosted a five-match series against New Zealand in Lahore and Rawalpindi. Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batsman who has been appointed vice-captain of Shaheen, scored the most runs for Pakistan during the series. Haris Rauf, a right-arm pacer, was the most effective bowler throughout the assignment.
