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Tag: NewZealandCricket

Finn Allen Joins Perth Scorchers, Prioritizes Franchise Cricket

Finn Allen Joins Perth Scorchers, Prioritizes Franchise Cricket

By August 17, 2024 0

New Zealand’s explosive opener Finn Allen has made a bold decision to prioritize franchise cricket over a national contract, signing a two-year deal with the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Allen’s decision comes as a surprise, as he was initially included in New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) central contract list. However, the Scorchers’ recent interest has swayed him towards a lucrative franchise opportunity.

Allen’s T20 credentials are impeccable. With a strike rate of 168.60, he ranks second only to Andre Russell among batters with at least 3000 runs. His international performances have also been impressive, including two centuries and a blistering 42 off 16 balls against Australia in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

The Scorchers have been searching for a reliable opener since Cameron Bancroft’s departure last season. Allen’s signing fills that void, bringing a wealth of experience and firepower to the Perth-based franchise.

Allen’s decision to join the BBL means he will miss New Zealand’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka in December. However, he will join fellow Kiwis Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat) and Tim Seifert (Melbourne Renegades) in the Australian domestic competition.

The Scorchers’ signing of Allen ahead of the draft raises questions about the future of Laurie Evans, who had a stellar season with the franchise last year. Evans’ availability is limited due to his ongoing commitments in the UAE’s ILT20, making it uncertain whether he will return to Perth.

The BBL draft will be held on September 1, and the Scorchers have picks 7, 15, 18, and 31. With Allen already secured, they may focus on bolstering their bowling attack or adding depth to their batting lineup.

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Conway, Allen Decline Central Contracts, Conway Signs Casual Agreement

Conway, Allen Decline Central Contracts, Conway Signs Casual Agreement

By August 15, 2024 0

Devon Conway and Finn Allen have become the latest New Zealand cricketers to decline central contracts, opting instead for greater flexibility and opportunities in franchise cricket. Conway, however, has signed a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), similar to Kane Williamson, making him available for all internationals except for the Sri Lanka white-ball matches in January, when he will honor his SA20 commitment.

Allen, the hard-hitting white-ball opener, will pursue franchise opportunities and has not been offered the same agreement by NZC. He remains eligible for selection on a case-by-case basis. Both Conway and Allen were initially included in the contract list last month but will now be replaced.

Conway, who has been named in the Test squad to face Afghanistan and Sri Lanka next month, is available for all of New Zealand’s nine upcoming Tests. He has also committed to warm-up matches ahead of the Champions Trophy in February, including an ODI tri-series in Pakistan.

“The decision to move away from a central playing contract isn’t one I’ve taken lightly, but I believe it is the best for me and my family at this present time,” Conway said. “Playing for the Blackcaps is still the pinnacle for me, and I’m hugely passionate about representing New Zealand and winning games of international cricket.”

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink emphasized that casual contracts are only an option for a select number of leading players. He believes it is a prudent way to manage the evolving landscape of franchise cricket.

“We’re delighted with Devon’s decision to commit to the Blackcaps – he’s a quality player who’s made a strong contribution to the team over the past few years,” Weenink said. “In the current environment, it’s important to have flexibility in our system to navigate some of the challenges posed by franchise cricket.”

Conway and Allen join Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne in moving away from central contracts. However, Williamson, who will also play in the SA20 in January, has not ruled out taking one in the future.

Under the NZC system, players must make themselves available for the domestic Super Smash tournament when they are not playing international cricket to be eligible for central contracts.

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George Worker Retires from Cricket at 34

George Worker Retires from Cricket at 34

By August 13, 2024 0

George Worker, the former New Zealand batter, has bid farewell to professional cricket at the age of 34. The decision marks the end of a 17-year journey in the sport, during which he represented Central Districts and Auckland.

Worker’s international career spanned from 2015 to 2018, with 10 ODIs and 2 T20Is to his name. He made his T20I debut in Zimbabwe, earning the Player-of-the-Match award for his 38-ball 62. His ODI debut came on the same tour of Africa, and he went on to score three half-centuries in the format.

In domestic cricket, Worker was a prolific run-scorer. He amassed 6721 runs in 169 List A games, averaging 43.64 with 18 centuries and 37 half-centuries. His first-class record included 6400 runs at an average of 29.49, while he scored 3480 runs in T20s at a strike rate of 123.57.

Worker’s leadership and experience were highly valued by Auckland Aces, where he played a pivotal role in their Ford Trophy 2021-22 title win. He topped the overall run-scoring chart with 672 runs in ten innings, averaging 84.00 and hitting four centuries.

As a part-time left-arm spinner, Worker claimed 58 first-class wickets, 60 in List A cricket, and 42 in T20s.

Upon announcing his retirement, Worker expressed gratitude for the memories and friendships he forged during his career. He also revealed that he has accepted a “fantastic opportunity” with Forsyth Barr, an investment services firm.

Auckland Cricket’s head of performance and talent, Evan Jones, acknowledged Worker’s contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.

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Southee May Sit Out Subcontinent Tests as NZ Balances Bowling Options

Southee May Sit Out Subcontinent Tests as NZ Balances Bowling Options

By August 12, 2024 0

New Zealand’s Test captain, Tim Southee, may find himself on the sidelines for some of the team’s upcoming matches on the subcontinent. The Black Caps will embark on a challenging tour that includes a one-off Test against Afghanistan and two matches against Sri Lanka, both likely to be held in Galle.

While Southee will lead a 15-player squad that boasts five spin bowling options, his inclusion in the starting XI is not guaranteed. The nature of the subcontinent’s pitches, characterized by heat, humidity, and spin-friendly conditions, may necessitate a different balance to the team.

Head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the challenges facing pace bowlers on these tours and emphasized the need to manage their workloads. “Test tours to the subcontinent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers,” Stead said. “We’re going over with an open mind around conditions, but there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests.”

Should Southee be omitted from the XI, vice-captain Tom Latham would assume the captaincy role. The squad announced does not cover the subsequent three-Test series against India, but a similar group of players is expected to be involved.

Kane Williamson’s availability for the Afghanistan Test had been uncertain, but he has been included for the historic encounter. Offspin allrounder Michael Bracewell returns to the Test side after an 18-month absence, while Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner are also included. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are likely to play significant roles with the ball.

Alongside Southee, the pace options include Matt Henry, Ben Sears, and Will O’Rourke. Henry impressed against Australia with 17 wickets in two matches, while Sears and O’Rourke made strong debuts last season. Kyle Jamieson remains sidelined due to a stress fracture of the back.

“It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance,” Stead said of Sears and O’Rourke. “Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the Blackcaps across all three formats.”

Saqlain Mushtaq will rejoin New Zealand as bowling coach for the three away Tests, while former England wicketkeeper James Foster returns as an assistant coach. The Afghanistan Test, not part of the World Test Championship, takes place from September 9-13, followed by the Sri Lanka matches from September 18-22 and 26-30.

New Zealand faces a demanding schedule of nine Tests from September to December, including a home series against England starting in late November. They currently sit third in the World Test Championship standings, aiming to reach the final at Lord’s next June.

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Melbourne Renegades Sign New Zealand Star Tim Seifert for Two Years

Melbourne Renegades Sign New Zealand Star Tim Seifert for Two Years

By August 6, 2024 0

Melbourne Renegades have bolstered their batting lineup with the acquisition of New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert on a two-year deal. The 29-year-old will be available for the entirety of the next two BBL seasons as the Renegades aim to improve upon their seventh-place finish last season.

Seifert’s signing means he will miss a portion of the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, and will not be available for the white-ball series against Pakistan over the Christmas and New Year period.

With an impressive international record of three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand, Seifert brings a wealth of experience to the Renegades. He has also featured in T20 leagues worldwide, averaging 27.43 with a strike rate of 130.12 in the format, including three centuries.

In the recent Lanka Premier League, Seifert emerged as the leading run-scorer with 400 runs at an average of 57.14 and a strike rate of 135.13.

Seifert is expected to form a formidable top three for the Renegades alongside Josh Brown and Jake Fraser-McGurk. He is also a frontrunner to take over the wicketkeeping duties, a role shared by overseas signings Quinton de Kock and Jordan Cox last season.

“I’m thrilled to be here for the next two seasons,” said Seifert. “I’ll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on a deeper level, which doesn’t often happen in franchise cricket. I’m excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least.”

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten expressed his delight at Seifert’s signing. “Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program,” said Rosengarten. “We’re excited to welcome him into the club.”

The BBL draft will take place on September 1, with the Renegades holding pick numbers 2, 10, 23, and 26.

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Afghanistan to Host New Zealand in Historic One-Off Test Match

Afghanistan to Host New Zealand in Historic One-Off Test Match

By July 27, 2024 0

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that the Afghanistan men’s cricket team will face New Zealand in a one-off Test match from September 9-13 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in India. This historic encounter will mark the first time Afghanistan and New Zealand have met in the longest format of the game.

Afghanistan has made significant strides in Test cricket since gaining full membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017. They have won three Test matches to date, against Ireland (2019), Bangladesh (2019), and Zimbabwe (2021).

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed his delight at hosting New Zealand for the first time in a Test match. He said, “We are delighted to host a quality New Zealand Test team for the first time in our cricketing history. This is a testament to the hard work we have put in through numerous discussions and meetings with different boards on the sidelines of the various ICC Board Meetings.”

Ashraf also expressed hope for future bilateral white-ball matches against New Zealand. “The Black Caps are an outstanding all-format team in world cricket, and we hope to reach an agreement with New Zealand Cricket for white-ball bilateral matches in the future,” he said.

The match will also mark Afghanistan’s return to international cricket at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, which has been designated as one of the venues for Afghanistan’s home games following an agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

New Zealand will arrive in Greater Noida on September 5 for a three-day conditioning camp ahead of the Test match. They will then face India in a three-Test series starting on October 16 in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan will head to New Delhi in late August for a one-week training and preparation camp. In their two Tests played this year, Afghanistan lost to Sri Lanka and Ireland, with their last win in the longer format coming in 2021 over Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi.

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Afghanistan to Face New Zealand in Historic One-Off Test

Afghanistan to Face New Zealand in Historic One-Off Test

By July 26, 2024 0

Afghanistan, the rising stars of international cricket, are set to face the formidable New Zealand in a historic one-off Test match in September. This highly anticipated encounter will mark the first time these two nations have clashed in the longest format of the game.

The match will be played at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in India, a venue that has previously served as Afghanistan’s adopted home ground. This will be Afghanistan’s 10th Test match, and their third in 2024, the most they have played in a single calendar year.

The Test is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 13, approximately one month before New Zealand’s three-Test tour of India. Prior to the Afghanistan Test, New Zealand will embark on a Test series in Sri Lanka, with dates yet to be announced.

This encounter holds significant importance for Afghanistan, as it will provide them with an opportunity to test their mettle against one of the world’s top cricketing nations. Afghanistan has a commendable 3-6 win-loss record in their first nine Tests, with their last victory coming against Zimbabwe in March 2021.

In their two Tests so far in 2024, Afghanistan has faced defeats against Sri Lanka and Ireland. They also lost their one-off Test in Bangladesh last year. Despite these setbacks, Afghanistan remains a formidable opponent, eager to prove their worth on the international stage.

Following the New Zealand Test, England, Australia, Pakistan, and South Africa will be the only countries to have not yet played against Afghanistan in a Test match. Australia had previously withdrawn from hosting Afghanistan in a Test in 2021 due to humanitarian concerns.

The Afghanistan-New Zealand Test match promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing the skills and determination of both teams. Afghanistan will be looking to make a statement against a world-class opponent, while New Zealand will be aiming to maintain their dominance in the Test arena.

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Babar Azam Closes Gap on Suryakumar Yadav in T20I Rankings

Babar Azam Closes Gap on Suryakumar Yadav in T20I Rankings

By May 1, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has made significant strides in the ICC Men’s T20I batter rankings, closing the gap on India’s Suryakumar Yadav at the summit. Azam’s impressive performance in the recently concluded series against New Zealand, where he amassed 125 runs in four innings, has propelled him to fourth place in the rankings.

Azam’s consistent batting displays have earned him a 10-point boost in his rating, bringing it to 763. He now trails Yadav by just 98 rating points, setting the stage for an intriguing battle for the top spot ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.

Azam’s teammate Fakhar Zaman has also made notable progress, climbing 10 places to 62nd position. Zaman’s aggressive batting style yielded 104 runs in the series, showcasing his ability to contribute to Pakistan’s batting lineup.

New Zealand’s Tim Seifert has emerged as a standout performer in the latest rankings update. The right-hander’s impressive 85 runs in the series, compiled at a strike rate of 144.06, have seen him jump seven places to equal seventh position.

The T20I bowler rankings have also witnessed some notable changes. Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has moved up three places to 14th position after claiming eight wickets in four matches against New Zealand.

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaching, the latest rankings update provides a glimpse into the form and potential of the world’s leading T20I players. Babar Azam’s resurgence and the rise of other talented individuals promise an exciting tournament filled with intense competition and thrilling performances.

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Devon Conway Returns for New Zealand's 2024 T20 World Cup Squad

Devon Conway Returns for New Zealand’s 2024 T20 World Cup Squad

By April 29, 2024 0

Devon Conway has been included in New Zealand’s provisional 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Kane Williamson named as captain. The experienced squad also features veterans Tim Southee and Trent Boult, while Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry are the only uncapped players.

Conway’s inclusion comes after he was ruled out of the IPL due to a thumb injury. Williamson, meanwhile, returns to lead the side after missing New Zealand’s last two T20I series.

Fast bowler Adam Milne was ruled out after ankle surgery, while Kyle Jamieson remains unavailable due to a stress fracture in his lower back. Finn Allen has recovered from a back injury, while Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, and Ish Sodhi are the only players from the Pakistan tour who have made the squad.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead believes the squad has all bases covered. “We expect varied conditions in the West Indies and have selected a squad that can adapt,” he said. “Matt Henry has worked hard to earn his recall, while Rachin Ravindra has impressed in recent months.”

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Pakistan to Tour New Zealand for ODIs and T20Is in 2025

Pakistan to Tour New Zealand for ODIs and T20Is in 2025

By April 27, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the national team will embark on a tour of New Zealand in 2025, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This will be the sixth series between the two nations since 2023.

The tour was finalized during a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO Scott Weenink in Lahore. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand.

It was agreed in principle that the tour will take place after the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. The meeting was also attended by PCB COO Salman Naseer and Director International Cricket Usman Wahla.

As per the existing ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), New Zealand is also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand visited Pakistan twice in 2022/23 for a Test and white-ball series, while Pakistan toured New Zealand in January 2023 for a five-match T20I series.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, requested the NZC official to convey the secure environment in Pakistan for international cricket to other ICC members.

“The PCB chief spoke in reference to Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy early next year and the need for all participating nations to play in Pakistan without any concerns at all,” a source said.

The PCB is keen to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host major international cricket events, and the upcoming Champions Trophy will be a significant opportunity to do so. The board is confident that the tour by New Zealand will further enhance the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for cricket.

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