Sports Desk: New Zealand has drafted all-rounder Muhammad Abbas into their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh.
Abbas, who was initially set to return home after the ODI series, will now stay back to replace the injured Kristian Clarke.
Clarke sustained a hand injury during New Zealand ‘A’ team’s tour of Sri Lanka, ruling him out of the Bangladesh tour.
Consequently, the New Zealand cricket board opted to retain the 22-year-old Abbas, despite his modest performance in the recently concluded ODI series where he scored 25, 19, and 14 in three innings and remained wicketless with his left-arm pace.
The T20I series is scheduled to commence on April 27 in Chattogram. After winning the first ODI, New Zealand suffered defeats in the final two matches, losing the ODI series to the hosts.
The Kiwis will be looking to bounce back in the shortest format.
New Zealand T20I Squad:
Tom Latham (c), Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, Bevan Jacobs, Nick Kelly, Tim Robinson, Muhammad Abbas, Josh Clarkson, Dean Foxcroft, Nathan Smith, Matt Fisher, Jayden Lennox, Ben Sears, Blair Tickner, and Ish Sodhi.