New Zealand announces squad for T20 series against Pakistan.

EDEN PARK -- The New Zealand Cricket Council has announced its squad for the three-game series against Pakistan set to begin next Friday at Eden Park.

"The blazing bats of Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway are once again set to light up the BLACKCAPS T20 top-order," said the press release.

"The duo were involved in a T20I world-record, third-wicket stand of 181 against the West Indies less than a fortnight ago and have been rewarded with selection in a T20 extended squad - which also features the return of Kane Williamson and Trent Boult." The NZC said since the T20 series is scheduled to start just three days after the current Test in Wellington, Williamson and Boult along with Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson and Daryl Mitchell will only be available for the December 20 game in Hamilton and December 22 match in Napier.

Auckland Aces speedster Lockie Ferguson has been withdrawn from the squad due to a bone stress injury of lumbar spine.

Wellington Firebirds paceman Hamish Bennett was also ruled out of the series with an abdominal tear.

"Otago Volts pace bowler Jacob Duffy has earned his first call-up to the Black Caps after impressive performances in domestic cricket and for New Zealand A.

The 26- year-old's been selected for the first game and will assemble with the squad in Auckland on Tuesday December 15," reads the NZC statement.

Mitchell Santner will take the skipper's arm band for the series opener at Eden Park...