Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium witnessed the action on Thursday, with subsequent matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Following these encounters, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will take over hosting duties for the remaining two matches next week on Thursday and Saturday.
A notable shift in the Pakistani camp sees Azhar Mahmood stepping into the role of head coach for the first time in his career. Mahmood, a former Test all-rounder, previously served as the national side’s bowling coach from 2016 to 2019, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to his new position.
This series marked the third time the two sides clashed in a five-match series within a year. Last year, Pakistan and New Zealand locked horns in a closely contested series, drawing at two-all in Pakistan. Earlier this year, New Zealand emerged victorious, securing a 4-1 series win on their home turf.
The series not only serves as a platform for teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the T20 World Cup but also offers fans an opportunity to witness thrilling cricketing action as Pakistan and New Zealand vie for supremacy on the field.
