New Zealand's all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is excited about T20I and ODI series against Pakistan, starting on April 14.
After landing in Pakistan early today, Mitchell spoke about coming back to Pakistan.
"Excited to be back here and it is always a pleasure to play in Pakistan," said Mitchell.
"We have some new faces in the squad. The tour is long and it won't be easy to play Pakistan in their home condition," said Mitchell.
Last January, New Zealand beat Pakistan 2-1 in three-match ODI series.
Mitchell said Pakistan are a world-class side. "Pakistan are a really tough side with the likes of some prominent cricketers. We are prepared and looking forward to taking this challenge," he concluded.
Tom Latham-led New Zealand squad reached Lahore today. After resting for two days in, New Zealand squad will take part in a training session on April 13 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
New Zealand squads
T20I: Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner
ODI: Tom Latham (c), Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner
Pakistan squads
T20I: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Zaman Khan
ODI: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Usama Mir. Reserves: Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir
Series schedule (T20Is to start at 9pm; ODIs to begin at 3.30pm):
14 Apr – 1st T20I, Lahore
15 Apr – 2nd T20I, Lahore
17 Apr – 3rd T20I, Lahore
20 Apr – 4th T20I, Rawalpindi
24 Apr – 5th T20I, Rawalpindi
27 Apr – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi
29 Apr – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi
3 May – 3rd ODI, Karachi
5 May – 4th ODI, Karachi
7 May – 5th ODI, Karachi