NZ vs PAK: Will Young Replaces Injured Josh Clarkson For Third T20I Against Pakistan

NZ vs PAK: In the lead-up to the second T20I against Pakistan, the New Zealand cricket team encountered a fresh setback with the unfortunate sidelining of a key player, who was poised to step in as a potential replacement for Blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson.

Josh Clarkson, initially slated to join the New Zealand T20I squad for the third T20I against Pakistan, has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained while playing for Central Districts in the Super Smash.

The development alters the New Zealand team management’s plans, with Will Young stepping in to take Clarkson's place for the upcoming match in Dunedin scheduled for Wednesday.

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The intended substitution had been prompted by Kane Williamson's ongoing monitoring of a knee injury, keeping him out of the third game. Williamson made his comeback in the T20 circuit in the first T20I against Pakistan after missing out of the shortest format of the game since March 31. The talismanic batter sustained a knee injury while playing against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League.

However, Clarkson's untimely shoulder injury has reshuffled the lineup, and Young is set to join the squad following the second T20I on Sunday.

Young brings a wealth of T20 experience to the team, having played 97 matches and accumulated 2290 runs with an average of 26.62. In 14 T20Is, he has scored 260 runs at an average of 20.00.

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Notably, Young has recently delivered standout performances for Central Districts in the Super Smash, including a brisk 33-ball 50 against Wellington and an impressive unbeaten 63-ball 101 against Otago.

While Williamson is set to return for the final two T20Is in Christchurch on January 19 and 21, the team faces a temporary leadership question. Mitchell Santner, initially designated to lead the side in Williamson's absence, missed the opening game due to Covid-19. Santner's recovery remains uncertain, adding an element of intrigue to who will assume leadership duties if he is unavailable for the third game.

New Zealand's strong start in the five-game T20I series against Pakistan, backed by noteworthy performances from Williamson and Daryl Mitchell has set the stage for an engaging cricketing encounter in Dunedin. New Zealand currently lead the 5-match series 1-0.