New Zealand white-ball captain Kane Williamson is likely to be unavailable for selection for the remaining matches of the ongoing five-match T20I series against Pakistan.
Williamson suffered tight hamstring during the 2nd T20I against Shaheen Afridi-led Pakistan at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday, January 14. The 33-year-old was batting on 26 when started to experience tightness in his hamstring while running between the wickets. He was forced to retire hurt and didn't come out to field as Tim Southee stepped in as captain.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that team management wanted Kane Williamson to be fit for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
"With the test matches so close as well, which probably in the big scheme of things, in the short term for us, has a higher priority, I think it's likely we'll try and make sure that he is right for that," Stead said.
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson travelled back to home as he was not part of the squad that flew to Dunedin for the third T20I against Men in Green on Wednesday, January 17.
After the conclusion of the five-match T20I series against Pakistan, New Zealand will play two-match Test series against South Africa, with first match starting on February 4.
Tim Seifert likely to replace Kane Williamson in the squad
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert is expected to T20I squad as a replacement for Kane Williamson for the remaining matches of the ongoing series against Pakistan.
Seifert played his T20I match against Bangladesh in December 2023. Gary Stead indicated that 29-year-old will replace Devon Conway as wicketkeeper as some point in the ongoing T20I series.
Seifert has 48 T20Is, amassing 1154 runs, including 8 half-centuries, at an average of 26.22 in 53 matches.
Meanwhile, New Zealand are currently 2-0 in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan after winning the 2nd T20I. After posting the total of 194/8 on the board, the hosts bundled out for 173 despite half-centuries from Babar Azam (60) and Fakhar Zaman (50).
For New Zealand, Adam Milne scalped four wickets while Tim Southee, Bean Sears and Ish Sodhi picked two scalps each.
