Sport

Mitchell won't play final T20I - Ravindra called in

16:16 pm on 20 January 2024

New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra in action against Pakistan at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Photo: photosport

Daryl Mitchell will miss the final match of the Twenty20 Series against Pakistan in Christchurch tomorrow as part of management his workload.

With Mitchell withdrawn from consideration for selection, Wellington Firebird Rachin Ravindra will join the squad in Christchurch for tomorrow's match.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the decision to have Mitchell sit the match out was based on the team's position in the current series and the upcoming schedule.

"Daryl is an important player for us across all three formats and ensuring he's in the best place to perform in international cricket is vital.

"Rachin is coming off a period of rest himself and will bring a valuable skill set to the group in this final match as he continues his return to cricket," said Stead.

Scoring 72 runs off 44 balls Mitchell helped the Black Caps claim the fourth T20 International in Christchurch on Friday night.

Mitchell combined with Glenn Phillips for an unbroken 139-run stand, to power them to a fourth straight victory.

Ravindra's last T20 for New Zealand was against England in September last year.

A decision on Devon Conway's availability for the final match of the series will be made tomorrow morning.

Conway was ruled out of the fourth Twenty20 against Pakistan after testing positive for COVID.