Mitchell Santner Ruled Out Of 1st T20I Against Pakistan Due To COVID-19
New Zealand will host Pakistan in Auckland for the first T20I. (X.com)
New Zealand’s spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the first T20I in the upcoming five-match series against Pakistan. Santner tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday morning, prompting New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to announce his exclusion from the opening game.
In a press release, NZC stated that Santner would be under observation in the following days and would travel independently to his home in Hamilton, where the second international match is set to occur on Sunday night.
"Mitch Santner won’t travel to Eden Park this evening for the opening KFC T20I against Pakistan after testing positive for COVID earlier today. He will continue to be monitored over the coming days and will travel solo home to Hamilton,” stated NZC’s media release.
Santner's absence is a significant setback for New Zealand, given his crucial role in the T20I setup. The experienced T20 cricketer has amassed 105 wickets in 91 innings, showcasing his proficiency in both batting and bowling.
As a left-handed batter, he has contributed 610 runs, with a top score of 77. While his consistent performances have solidified his position in the team, his unavailability offers an opportunity for another player to step up and make a meaningful contribution.
The clash at Eden Park marks the beginning of a five-match series between the fourth-ranked New Zealand and the third-ranked Pakistan.
The teams previously faced each other in the World Cup semifinals in Sydney, Australia, in November 2022, with Pakistan emerging victorious. The upcoming series promises to be fiercely contested, with additional matches scheduled in Pakistan in April, although the Black Caps team will be without IPL players.
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