Pakistan is set to turn the page after a dismal ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, with newly appointed T20I captain Salman Ali Agha leading the charge in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The series, kicking off at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Sunday, serves as a critical step towards rebuilding ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup later this year.
Fresh Faces and a New Direction
The selection committee has injected new blood into the squad, handing opportunities to three uncapped players—Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali. Their inclusion comes after standout performances in domestic cricket, but the absence of experienced campaigners Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman due to injury will be felt.
Salman Ali Agha, who led Pakistan to a 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe in his debut as captain, remains confident about the team’s prospects. “We have some young players in the side, and it is an opportunity for them to showcase their talent at the international level after performing well in domestic cricket,” he emphasized ahead of the series opener.
Pakistan’s Road to Stability
Pakistan has struggled with consistency in the shortest format, often rotating captains and experimenting with different combinations. The upcoming series against New Zealand provides a valuable platform for stability and clarity ahead of two major tournaments.
- The team will look to establish a reliable core with an eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- The return of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan adds experience to a relatively young squad.
- Middle-order concerns remain, with the team still searching for a dependable finisher.
The upcoming matches will test Pakistan’s ability to execute under pressure, especially against a New Zealand side known for its disciplined approach.
Pakistan vs. New Zealand: A Rivalry to Watch
Pakistan and New Zealand share a closely contested T20I history. Out of 44 encounters, Pakistan has a slight upper hand with 23 wins, while New Zealand has claimed 21 victories. Their most recent T20I series in 2024 ended in a 2-2 draw, underscoring the competitiveness of the two sides.
Head-to-Head in T20Is:
| Team | Wins | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 23 | 44 |
| New Zealand | 21 | 44 |
Both teams will aim to gain the upper hand, making this series a highly anticipated battle.
Series Outlook: What’s at Stake?
Pakistan’s tour isn’t limited to the T20 format. After the five-match T20I series, they will play three ODIs against New Zealand, further testing the depth of their revamped squad. These matches will be crucial in shaping Pakistan’s limited-overs setup, with potential adjustments expected based on player performances.
One of the key aspects to watch will be how Pakistan’s uncapped players handle the pressure of international cricket. Salman Ali Agha’s leadership, still in its infancy, will also be under scrutiny as he attempts to cement his authority in a squad undergoing transition.
For Pakistan, this series is more than just about winning—it’s about rediscovering their rhythm and proving that they remain a formidable force in world cricket.
![gain Rise in Gold Rate in India After Falling Rs 21,200/24K; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop on 28 March? By Harshika Yadav Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:55 [IST] preference Add as a preferred source on Google Gold rates in India witnessed a modest recovery on March 27, 2026, after a sharp fall in the previous session, indicating a cautious stabilisation in the bullion market. The yellow metal had dropped by Rs 212 per gram (or Rs 21,200 per 100 grams) of 24 Karat (24K) earlier, but managed to regain some ground. Gold Price Updates as US-Iran Tensions Ease; Pakistan, Turkiye & Egypt Step Up Mediation Efforts The rise in yellow metal follows easing geopolitical concerns after US President Donald Trump signalled a delay in potential military action against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6. This development, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, has helped support safe-haven demand. gold Rate Today Further adding to market sentiment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions. Countries like Türkiye and Egypt are also reportedly supporting the mediation process, offering some relief to global financial markets. Gold Rate in India: Check Latest 22K, 24K & 18K Gold Prices Per Gram 24 Karat Gold Rate Today in India In the 24 Karat segment, at the time of writing, the rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,471, rising by Rs 16 from Rs 14,455. For 8 grams, the price increased to Rs 1,15,768, up by Rs 128. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,44,710, reflecting a gain of Rs 160, while 100 grams of 24 Karat gold were priced at Rs 14,47,100, marking an increase of Rs 1,600. 22 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The price of one gram of 22K stood at Rs 13,265, gaining Rs 15 from the previous session. For 8 grams, the rate rose to Rs 1,06,120, registering an increase of Rs 120. The cost of 10 grams advanced to Rs 1,32,650, up by Rs 150, while 100 grams were priced at Rs 13,26,500, reflecting a gain of Rs 1,500. 18 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The rate for one gram of 18K stood at Rs 10,853, up by Rs 12. For 8 grams, the price moved up to Rs 86,824, marking a gain of Rs 96. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,08,530, increasing by Rs 120, while 100 grams were valued at Rs 10,85,300, reflecting an uptick of Rs 1,200. Latest MCX Gold Price In the domestic futures market, gold on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) held firm above the Rs 1,44,500 level as per latest trading record, supported largely by the weakness in the Indian rupee, which continues to cushion local prices despite global volatility. Latest Spot Gold Rate The rebound in domestic gold rates comes alongside a recovery in international markets, where gold moved above the $4,400 per ounce mark. What Lies Ahead for Gold Prices? Check Gold Rate Prediction Jateen Trivedi, VP - Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency), LKP Securities, said, "Gold remained slightly positive, trading above $4,425 with highs near $4,475, supported by initial optimism around US-Iran talks. However, the sharp rise in crude continues to signal underlying market stress and inflation risks." From a technical perspective, he explained, "Technically, support is seen near Rs 1,42,000, while resistance is placed around Rs 1,46,500. Overall, gold is expected to remain volatile with limited upside unless clarity emerges on inflation and geopolitics."](https://keralanews247.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rupee-and-dollar-scaled-120x86.png)
