![Rauf dropped [Source: AP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1742087247769_HarisRaufdropped.jpg?type=mq)
Rauf dropped [Source: AP Photos]
The wait is over as the first T20I of the 5-match series commences between Pakistan and New Zealand in Christchurch. Both the sides suffered heartbreaks in the Champions Trophy 2025 as the Kiwis lost in the finals against India, and Pakistan crashed out in the group stage itself.
However, this is a new beginning and both the teams have a new-looked squad, especially the Black Caps, who have majority of their players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pakistan, on the other hand have made handful of changes in the squad with no place for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
They have a new leader in Agha Salman as Pakistan is eager to kick-start the new era with a comprehensive win over the Kiwis. Ahead of the game we look at the toss update and the probable squad changes.
PAK Vs NZ Toss winner today
New Zealand won the toss and they decided to bowl first on a wicket which will stay the same for the entirety of the match. Interestingly, Pakistan made a bold call by dropping out of form pacer, Haris Rauf from the playing XI.
The Pakistan pacer was average in the Champions Trophy and despite getting picked in the T20Is Vs New Zealand, the management decided to give chance to the youngsters for the first game.
PAK Vs NZ Playing XI
Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Agha Salman (c), Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan (vc), Muhammad Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand Playing XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
