Test opener and one-day wicketkeeper Tom Latham will return to cricket's shortest format to lead New Zealand against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, starting next weekend.
Latham has been named captain of the Twenty20 squad for upcoming series, with several Blackcaps stars departing to contest Indian Premier League.
"We saw against India earlier this season the power and range of shots that Tom possess," said coach Gary Stead. "His adaptability also means he can feature in a range of batting positions.
"He led an inexperienced T20 squad to Bangladesh in 2021 and we were really impressed with his leadership of that group during a COVID-bubble tour."
Potential debutants Chad Bowes and Henry Shipley will remain with the white-ball squad after the current ODI series against Sri Lanka, while Cole McConchie, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert also return to the short format after two-year absences.
Bowes and Ravindra both made their one-day debuts at Eden Park - the latter scored 49 with the bat and took the winning catch - while Shipley starred with a five-wicket haul in the 198-run win.
Seifert will contest the home Sri Lanka series only, as he and his wife award the birth of their first child.
"We've got players returning and guys potentially making their debuts," said Stead. "That's a really exciting mix to have in the group for these matches.
"Players like Tim and Cole haven’t been around the squad for little while, and I am sure they will bring good energy when they are involved. They have both earned their selection with strong domestic form this season."
The New Zealand squads for the Sri Lanka home series and Pakistan tour are:
Sri Lanka
Tom Latham (c), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young
Pakistan
Tom Latham (c), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young
Join Newshub at noon Sunday for live updates of the Blackcaps v Sri Lanka T20 opener
