New Zealand have suffered an early setback in the T20 World Cup 2026 after star all-rounder Michael Bracewell was ruled out due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old was recovering from a calf strain sustained during the third ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during a warm-up session on Sunday ahead of the match against Afghanistan. Medical scans later confirmed the issue and Bracewell is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks. &nbsp;New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the team is disappointed for Bracewell. He explained that Bracewell worked extremely hard to get fit but was unlucky to suffer another setback and the team wishes him a full recovery.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're all feeling for Michael. “It's really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him,” Walter said.&nbsp;"Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this setback. We wish him a smooth recovery."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-sahibzada-farhan-usman-tariq-power-pakistan-to-32-run-win-over-usa-1770741925701">T20 World Cup 2026: Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Tariq power Pakistan to 32-run win over USA</a>&nbsp;As a cover, New Zealand have named Cole McConchie as a travelling reserve, though he has not yet been officially added to the squad. McConchie brings plenty of T20 experience, having played 145 matches in the format.&nbsp;&nbsp;He earned his call-up after an impressive domestic season with Canterbury Kings, where he finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-delhi-capitals-appoint-ian-bell-as-new-assistant-coach-1770730586422">IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals appoint Ian Bell as new assistant coach</a>&nbsp;Walter also praised McConchie’s inclusion, highlighting his experience and all-round skills. He said McConchie’s calm presence could be valuable, especially in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cole is a seasoned campaigner. He brings a great all-round skillset to the group along with a lot of T20 experience. It's great to be able to lean on an experienced head especially for a World Cup," Walter added.&nbsp;New Zealand will play their third Group D match on Saturday (June 14) against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

New Zealand will play their third Group D match on Saturday (June 14) against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

New Zealand have suffered an early setback in the T20 World Cup 2026 after star all-rounder Michael Bracewell was ruled out due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old was recovering from a calf strain sustained during the third ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during a warm-up session on Sunday ahead of the match against Afghanistan. Medical scans later confirmed the issue and Bracewell is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the team is disappointed for Bracewell. He explained that Bracewell worked extremely hard to get fit but was unlucky to suffer another setback and the team wishes him a full recovery. "We're all feeling for Michael. “It's really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him,” Walter said. "Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this setback. We wish him a smooth recovery." Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026: Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Tariq power Pakistan to 32-run win over USA As a cover, New Zealand have named Cole McConchie as a travelling reserve, though he has not yet been officially added to the squad. McConchie brings plenty of T20 experience, having played 145 matches in the format. He earned his call-up after an impressive domestic season with Canterbury Kings, where he finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71. Also Read - IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals appoint Ian Bell as new assistant coach Walter also praised McConchie’s inclusion, highlighting his experience and all-round skills. He said McConchie’s calm presence could be valuable, especially in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup. "Cole is a seasoned campaigner. He brings a great all-round skillset to the group along with a lot of T20 experience. It's great to be able to lean on an experienced head especially for a World Cup," Walter added. New Zealand will play their third Group D match on Saturday (June 14) against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

New Zealand will play their third Group D match on Saturday (June 14) against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

T20 World Cup 2026: Big blow to Black Caps as star all-rounder ruled out due to injury

New Zealand’s stand-in ODI captain, Michael Bracewell, is doubtful for the five-match T20I series against India starting on Wednesday (Jan 21) in Nagpur. Bracewell, who led the Blackcaps to their maiden yet historic ODI series win over India in India, picked up a minor left calf strain during the third One-Day game in Indore. Per a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement, Bracewell ‘will be treated and monitored over the coming days before a decision on his further involvement in the tour is confirmed.’ The visitors, however, have added seam-bowling all-rounder Kristian Clarke to the squad for the first three T20Is.&nbsp;Clarke, the right-arm quick, impressed on his ODI debut against India, returning seven wickets, including two three-wicket hauls and handy contributions with the bat lower down the order, helping New Zealand clinch a 2-1 win over the mighty Indians.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-underlines-real-reason-behind-team-india-odi-slump-after-new-zealand-series-loss-1768887042775">Rahane underlines real reason behind India’s ODI slump after NZ series loss</a> &nbsp;"We've got a fair bit of player movement at the moment with some guys returning from injury for this series, others joining us immediately from franchise cricket, and the rest coming off the India ODI series and Super Smash," Walter said. "We want to ensure we've got enough pace-bowling options for the first three games of this series, and it's a great opportunity for Kristian to stay on with the group a little longer on his first tour of India. &nbsp;"He certainly showcased his talent in the ODI series, but what was particularly impressive was his calmness and ability to perform under pressure." Barring Clarke, the Kiwis have several A-listers returning to the side, including captain Mitchell Santner, seamer Matt Henry, New Zealand’s best all-format bowler last year, Jacob Duffy, and seasoned all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. All these players were rested for the three-match ODIs against India, with the Kiwis playing a second-string side.&nbsp; &nbsp;"It was incredibly special to win the ODI series and create some history," head coach Rob Walter said. "There were lots of special performances combined with fantastic teamwork to achieve something that hadn't been done before.&nbsp; &nbsp;“With a short turnaround to the T20 series, we know we'll need to recover well and refocus quickly to be ready for the opening game on Wednesday night.”<h3>Updated New Zealand squad for India T20Is –</h3>Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi and Kristian Clarke (only for the first three games)

New Zealand will play five T20Is against India, starting with the first one on Wednesday in Nagpur.

New Zealand’s stand-in ODI captain, Michael Bracewell, is doubtful for the five-match T20I series against India starting on Wednesday (Jan 21) in Nagpur. Bracewell, who led the Blackcaps to their maiden yet historic ODI series win over India in India, picked up a minor left calf strain during the third One-Day game in Indore. Per a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement, Bracewell ‘will be treated and monitored over the coming days before a decision on his further involvement in the tour is confirmed.’ The visitors, however, have added seam-bowling all-rounder Kristian Clarke to the squad for the first three T20Is. Clarke, the right-arm quick, impressed on his ODI debut against India, returning seven wickets, including two three-wicket hauls and handy contributions with the bat lower down the order, helping New Zealand clinch a 2-1 win over the mighty Indians. Also read | Rahane underlines real reason behind India’s ODI slump after NZ series loss "We've got a fair bit of player movement at the moment with some guys returning from injury for this series, others joining us immediately from franchise cricket, and the rest coming off the India ODI series and Super Smash," Walter said. "We want to ensure we've got enough pace-bowling options for the first three games of this series, and it's a great opportunity for Kristian to stay on with the group a little longer on his first tour of India. "He certainly showcased his talent in the ODI series, but what was particularly impressive was his calmness and ability to perform under pressure." Barring Clarke, the Kiwis have several A-listers returning to the side, including captain Mitchell Santner, seamer Matt Henry, New Zealand’s best all-format bowler last year, Jacob Duffy, and seasoned all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. All these players were rested for the three-match ODIs against India, with the Kiwis playing a second-string side. "It was incredibly special to win the ODI series and create some history," head coach Rob Walter said. "There were lots of special performances combined with fantastic teamwork to achieve something that hadn't been done before. “With a short turnaround to the T20 series, we know we'll need to recover well and refocus quickly to be ready for the opening game on Wednesday night.” Updated New Zealand squad for India T20Is – Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi and Kristian Clarke (only for the first three games)

New Zealand will play five T20Is against India, starting with the first one on Wednesday in Nagpur.

Key Kiwi all-rounder doubtful for India T20Is as NZ name replacement | check updated squad

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has returned to the national side to lead the new-look team for the five-match T20Is against Pakistan, starting April 18. Bracewell missed all on-field cricket since March last year after suffering a ruptured right Achilles playing for Worcestershire and the broken finger later.

Fast bowler Will O'Rourke, who debuted in Tests and ODIs earlier this season, is named in the 15-man squad, while uncapped batter Tim Robinson is also picked and likely to debut during the away tour.

Meanwhile, as many as nine first-team players will miss this series due to their IPL commitments.&nbsp;The Kiwis will also be without Will Young, who took up an overseas deal with Nottinghamshire and veteran Tom Latham, who will be away for the birth of his first child. Test Captain Tim Southee has also missed the cut, as the selectors want him to rest following the extended home season.

Meanwhile, the squad selection and the tour will play a handy role in the selectors naming a balanced team for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA in June.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-watch-lsgs-mayank-yadav-lights-up-cameron-greens-stumps-vs-rcb-breaks-multiple-records-707098">IPL 2024: WATCH | LSG's Mayank Yadav lights up Cameron Green's stumps vs RCB, breaks multiple records</a>

"Michael has faced a long period on the sideline, and it's exciting to see him back playing cricket again," selector Sam Wells said.&nbsp;

"The fact he's back playing at a high level after an Achilles rupture is testament to his hard work and application.

"He's a well-respected leader and has captaincy experience for Wellington along with New Zealand A and New Zealand XI teams, which we believe holds him in good stead to lead the group in Pakistan,” he added.

Wells also shed some light on the prospect of Tim Robinson, who is the second-highest run-getter in the Super Smash competition, amassing 298 runs at a strike rate of 187.42, including hitting 139 off 64 balls against Otago.

"Tim is still very early in his domestic career but his natural ability and explosive power was on full display this season," Wells praised the young batter.&nbsp;

"Combined with his outstanding fielding, we believe he has a skill set that's well suited to the format.

"We've been delighted with Will's early efforts in international cricket, in both the formats he's played so far. This tour will be an excellent chance for him to test his skills in foreign conditions,” he continued.

<h3>New Zealand’s 15-man squad for Pakistan T20Is –</h3>

Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has returned to the national side to lead the new-look team for the five-match T20Is against Pakistan, starting April 18.

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has returned to the national side to lead the new-look team for the five-match T20Is against Pakistan, starting April 18. Bracewell missed all on-field cricket since March last year after suffering a ruptured right Achilles playing for Worcestershire and the broken finger later. Fast bowler Will O'Rourke, who debuted in Tests and ODIs earlier this season, is named in the 15-man squad, while uncapped batter Tim Robinson is also picked and likely to debut during the away tour. Meanwhile, as many as nine first-team players will miss this series due to their IPL commitments. The Kiwis will also be without Will Young, who took up an overseas deal with Nottinghamshire and veteran Tom Latham, who will be away for the birth of his first child. Test Captain Tim Southee has also missed the cut, as the selectors want him to rest following the extended home season. Meanwhile, the squad selection and the tour will play a handy role in the selectors naming a balanced team for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA in June. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: WATCH | LSG's Mayank Yadav lights up Cameron Green's stumps vs RCB, breaks multiple records "Michael has faced a long period on the sideline, and it's exciting to see him back playing cricket again," selector Sam Wells said. "The fact he's back playing at a high level after an Achilles rupture is testament to his hard work and application. "He's a well-respected leader and has captaincy experience for Wellington along with New Zealand A and New Zealand XI teams, which we believe holds him in good stead to lead the group in Pakistan,” he added. Wells also shed some light on the prospect of Tim Robinson, who is the second-highest run-getter in the Super Smash competition, amassing 298 runs at a strike rate of 187.42, including hitting 139 off 64 balls against Otago. "Tim is still very early in his domestic career but his natural ability and explosive power was on full display this season," Wells praised the young batter. "Combined with his outstanding fielding, we believe he has a skill set that's well suited to the format. "We've been delighted with Will's early efforts in international cricket, in both the formats he's played so far. This tour will be an excellent chance for him to test his skills in foreign conditions,” he continued. New Zealand’s 15-man squad for Pakistan T20Is – Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi

Michael Bracewell returns to lead new-look New Zealand team for Pakistan T20Is

In a relief to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp ahead of IPL 2023, the franchise has announced New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell as a replacement for injured Will Jacks. Jacks, who got picked by the RCB in the December auction for INR 3.2 crores (US$ 390,000 approximately at the time), suffered a muscle injury during England’s recent tour of Bangladesh, and was forced to pull out of what could have been his first IPL season.

Bracewell, whose base price was one crore, got picked at the same price by the RCB - the BCCI confirmed in a statement;&nbsp;meaning another Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra will replace Bracewell in New Zealand squad for Sri Lanka ODIs, which will begin after the Test series.

Meanwhile, New Zealand head coach, Gary Stead, said he is happy for Bracewell, given this is also a World Cup year and that getting the IPL exposure will only work in his favour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-sl-kane-williamson-enters-elite-list-with-6th-test-double-ton-equal-sehwag-pontings-record-573217">NZ vs SL: Kane Williamson enters elite list with 6th Test double ton, equals Sehwag, Ponting’s record</a>

"Michael's been a key contributor to our white-ball teams since making his debut last year. It's exciting he'll get a chance to take up the learning opportunities the IPL provides - particularly as a spin bowling all-rounder. With a World Cup in India this year it's great to have players getting more experience in those conditions," Gary Stead said as quoted by the ESPNcricinfo.

A handy customer with both bat and ball, Bracewell, 32, left an impression following his majestic 145-run knock in the first ODI against India in Hyderabad early this year. In addition to playing seven Tests, 19 ODIs and 16 T20Is for New Zealand, the left-handed batter has good numbers to back his case in the T20 format – where he has 2284 runs at a strike rate of 133.48 and 40 wickets with an economy rate of 6.52 to his name.

Michael Bracewell will join the likes of captain Faf Du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell, among others, as part of the overseas lot in RCB for IPL 2023. New Zealand’s Finn Allen will also be present with Michael at Royal Challengers Bangalore.

RCB will open their IPL 2023 campaign against Mumbai Indians on April 2nd.

In a relief to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp ahead of IPL 2023, the franchise has announced New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell as a replacement for injured Will Jacks.

In a relief to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp ahead of IPL 2023, the franchise has announced New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell as a replacement for injured Will Jacks. Jacks, who got picked by the RCB in the December auction for INR 3.2 crores (US$ 390,000 approximately at the time), suffered a muscle injury during England’s recent tour of Bangladesh, and was forced to pull out of what could have been his first IPL season. Bracewell, whose base price was one crore, got picked at the same price by the RCB - the BCCI confirmed in a statement; meaning another Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra will replace Bracewell in New Zealand squad for Sri Lanka ODIs, which will begin after the Test series. Meanwhile, New Zealand head coach, Gary Stead, said he is happy for Bracewell, given this is also a World Cup year and that getting the IPL exposure will only work in his favour. ALSO READ: NZ vs SL: Kane Williamson enters elite list with 6th Test double ton, equals Sehwag, Ponting’s record "Michael's been a key contributor to our white-ball teams since making his debut last year. It's exciting he'll get a chance to take up the learning opportunities the IPL provides - particularly as a spin bowling all-rounder. With a World Cup in India this year it's great to have players getting more experience in those conditions," Gary Stead said as quoted by the ESPNcricinfo. A handy customer with both bat and ball, Bracewell, 32, left an impression following his majestic 145-run knock in the first ODI against India in Hyderabad early this year. In addition to playing seven Tests, 19 ODIs and 16 T20Is for New Zealand, the left-handed batter has good numbers to back his case in the T20 format – where he has 2284 runs at a strike rate of 133.48 and 40 wickets with an economy rate of 6.52 to his name. Michael Bracewell will join the likes of captain Faf Du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell, among others, as part of the overseas lot in RCB for IPL 2023. New Zealand’s Finn Allen will also be present with Michael at Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB will open their IPL 2023 campaign against Mumbai Indians on April 2nd.

IPL 2023: Michael Bracewell roped in by Royal Challengers Bangalore as replacement for injured Will Jacks

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a huge blow ahead of IPL 2023 as their latest recruit Will Jack was forced to pull out due to a muscle injury. The English all-rounder got injured during the second ODI against Bangladesh recently. Following the results of the scans and consultation with a specialist, it is noted that Wills will miss what was supposed to be his first IPL.

RCB, who purchased Wills for 3.2 crores (£320,000) at December’s auction, are believed to be in touch with New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell as his potential replacement option. Yet to play in the IPL much like Wills, Bracewell remained unsold at the IPL auction at a base price of 1 crore.

Meanwhile, it further comes a blow to Wills, who aimed to get acclimatised to the Indian conditions in his bid to push for a case in the team for the upcoming 50-over World Cup. Fighting for a spot in the XI alongside Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali, Wills impressed one and all with his all-around show during the maiden edition of SA20.

Playing for Pretoria Capitals, the right-handed Jacks was the sixth-highest run-scorer with 270 runs in just seven matches. Not only did he have the highest strike rate (201.49) among all players, he had also hit the most sixes (19). His highest score of 92 off 46 balls came against SunRisers Eastern Cape.&nbsp;

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE -

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On the other hand, Bracewell’s appointment as Wills’ replacement could come as a bonus for RCB after what the Kiwi all-rounder achieved on his maiden white-ball tour to India early this year. Come off a good season with bat and ball, the left-handed Bracewell smoked the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground during the first One-Dayer in Hyderabad, hitting 140 off 78 balls. That one-of-a-kind knock from the young New Zealander made him a superstar overnight.

Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Mumbai Indians in their first match on April 2nd at Wankhede.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a huge blow ahead of IPL 2023 as their latest recruit Will Jack was forced to pull out due to a muscle injury. The English all-rounder got injured during the second ODI against Bangladesh recently.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a huge blow ahead of IPL 2023 as their latest recruit Will Jack was forced to pull out due to a muscle injury. The English all-rounder got injured during the second ODI against Bangladesh recently. Following the results of the scans and consultation with a specialist, it is noted that Wills will miss what was supposed to be his first IPL. RCB, who purchased Wills for 3.2 crores (£320,000) at December’s auction, are believed to be in touch with New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell as his potential replacement option. Yet to play in the IPL much like Wills, Bracewell remained unsold at the IPL auction at a base price of 1 crore. Meanwhile, it further comes a blow to Wills, who aimed to get acclimatised to the Indian conditions in his bid to push for a case in the team for the upcoming 50-over World Cup. Fighting for a spot in the XI alongside Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali, Wills impressed one and all with his all-around show during the maiden edition of SA20. Playing for Pretoria Capitals, the right-handed Jacks was the sixth-highest run-scorer with 270 runs in just seven matches. Not only did he have the highest strike rate (201.49) among all players, he had also hit the most sixes (19). His highest score of 92 off 46 balls came against SunRisers Eastern Cape. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE - × On the other hand, Bracewell’s appointment as Wills’ replacement could come as a bonus for RCB after what the Kiwi all-rounder achieved on his maiden white-ball tour to India early this year. Come off a good season with bat and ball, the left-handed Bracewell smoked the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground during the first One-Dayer in Hyderabad, hitting 140 off 78 balls. That one-of-a-kind knock from the young New Zealander made him a superstar overnight. Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Mumbai Indians in their first match on April 2nd at Wankhede.

IPL 2023: RCB suffer big blow as overseas all-rounder forced to pull out due to muscle injury

Indian T20I team captain Hardik Pandya was a surprised man after his team lost the first T20I match against New Zealand. Pandya said the amount of spin the NZ bowlers extracted in the second innings, made life tough for the Indian batters.

Indian T20I team captain Hardik Pandya was a surprised man after his team lost the first T20I match against New Zealand. Pandya said the amount of spin the NZ bowlers extracted in the second innings, made life tough for the Indian batters. "No one even thought the wicket would play like that, New Zealand clearly played better cricket and they are the deserved winners. The ball was turning more with the new ball than the old one, caught by surprise by the bounce and turn." Still in the nascent stages of his international captaincy career, Pandya, however, was blunt in his assessment of the bowling performance. He said the bowlers conceded a little too many at the fag end of the New Zealand innings. "On hindsight, I don't think this wicket was 177, we were poor with the ball and we ended up giving 25 runs more than the par," said Pandya at the post-match ceremony. "We're a young group, we make mistakes but we need to learn from it, that's how we're looking at it as well." Read more: Mitchell Santner stars with ball as New Zealand draws first blood in T20Is, wins Ranchi match by 21 runs India won the toss and decided to field first thinking the dew would come in the second half of the match and make the batting easier. However, the opposite transpired. The dew wasn't as heavy and New Zealand started with Micahel Bracewell. The off-spinner got the ball to turn and bounce as opener Ishan Kishan was outfoxed by a pearler that kissed the top of off. Bracewell seemed amazed like Pandya and said, "We were surprised with the turn, in the first innings too and we were fortunate to bowling second and the turn was still there." Such was the control of spinners that opposition captain Mitchell Santner managed to bowl a maiden over to Suryakumar Yadav, of all batters. "It was a bit of a shock for everyone involved as to how much it spun in the second innings. It was a great game, pretty tight in the end. And it was nice to see the ball spin a bit more," said Santner. Read more: 'He needs to go back...': Hardik Pandya has advice for this bowler after loss against Sri Lanka India and New Zealand will square off again in the second T20I on Saturday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'No one thought...': Hardik Pandya surprised after defeat against New Zealand in first T20I

India won the opening match of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand but captain Rohit Sharma was not an impressed man with the performance of his bowlers. After Michael Bracewell's heroic knock infused energy into what was an otherwise dead contest and took the visitors nearly over the line, India's death-blowing was once again put under the microscope.

India won the opening match of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand but captain Rohit Sharma was not an impressed man with the performance of his bowlers. After Michael Bracewell's heroic knock infused energy into what was an otherwise dead contest and took the visitors nearly over the line, India's death-blowing was once again put under the microscope. Sharma reflected on the same and said his team slipped up on the particular front. "To be honest, the way he (Bracewell) was batting and the way it came on to the bat nicely, it was clean ball-striking." "We knew that if we bowl well, we would be okay unless we really slipped up with the ball. Unfortunately, that's what happened. I did say at the toss that I would like to see us challenge ourselves, not quite the situation I expected but that's how it is." Read more: India survive Bracewell-Santner scare, hand New Zealand 12-run defeat in 1st ODI After posting a mammoth 349/8 in the first innings, courtesy of a stunning double hundred from Shubman Gill, India were the firm favourites to wrap up the game. The bowling in the initial part of the chase was clinical with the Kiwis requiring 216 runs off the last 20 overs. With Bracewell and Mitchell Santner at the crease, India would have ideally liked to put the game to bed early. However, the defiant southpaws had other plans. Both the batters got stuck in and took the attack to the Indian bowlers. Bracewell was especially severe with his audacious strokeplay as Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur bore the brunt of it. The visitors managed to gather 113 runs between the 31 and 40 overs to set the stage for a grandstand finish. The NZ batters had the momentum but a target as big as 350 was always going to come with its set of challenges. In the end, the NZ side fell short by an agonising 12 runs margin. Bracewell was the last man to depart as India managed to cling on and register a win. "We were just trying to give ourselves a chance there. We managed to put a big partnership on but unfortunately, it wasn't enough. We fell 12 runs short, which is a bit of a bummer, really," said Bracewell after the match. WATCH | UNBELIEVABLE 200! Shubman Gill becomes the youngest player to smash an ODI double hundred The two sides will square up once again on Saturday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Chattisgarh. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Skipper Rohit Sharma 'unimpressed' as India nearly slip up in the first ODI against New Zealand

Uncapped players Michael Bracewell and Dane Cleaver have been included in New Zealand's squad for white-ball matches against the Netherlands, the team said on Wednesday.

All-rounder Bracewell, the nephew of former internationals John and Brendon, joins his cousin Doug, an established New Zealand pace bowler, in the squad after a stellar season for Wellington.

Central Stags wicketkeeper Cleaver has been picked for the one-off T20 international at Napier's McLean Park next week.

The three-match ODI series starts in Hamilton on April 2.

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Tom Latham will lead both the T20 and ODI sides, with regular skipper Kane Williamson and a host of first-choice squad members unavailable due to commitments with the Indian Premier League.

The ODI series will also double as veteran batsman Ross Taylor's international swansong.

Squad: Tom Latham (capt), Doug Bracewell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner, Will Young

Uncapped players Michael Bracewell and Dane Cleaver have been included in New Zealand's squad for white-ball matches against the Netherlands, the team said on Wednesday.

Uncapped players Michael Bracewell and Dane Cleaver have been included in New Zealand's squad for white-ball matches against the Netherlands, the team said on Wednesday. All-rounder Bracewell, the nephew of former internationals John and Brendon, joins his cousin Doug, an established New Zealand pace bowler, in the squad after a stellar season for Wellington. Central Stags wicketkeeper Cleaver has been picked for the one-off T20 international at Napier's McLean Park next week. The three-match ODI series starts in Hamilton on April 2. ALSO READ: Women's WC: Charlotte Dean, Heather Knight shine as England beat India by 4 wickets to register first win Tom Latham will lead both the T20 and ODI sides, with regular skipper Kane Williamson and a host of first-choice squad members unavailable due to commitments with the Indian Premier League. The ODI series will also double as veteran batsman Ross Taylor's international swansong. Squad: Tom Latham (capt), Doug Bracewell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner, Will Young

Michael Bracewell, Dane Cleaver earn maiden New Zealand call-ups for limited-overs series vs Netherlands

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