New Zealand’s hard-hitting opener Finn Allen termed the upcoming five-match away T20I series against Pakistan an “awesome opportunity” for the young players.

New Zealand’s top players, namely Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, and Kane Williamson were all unavailable for the T20I series against Pakistan due to their participation in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL).

Meanwhile, Finn Allen believes that the unavailability of the top players would reward young players like Tim Robinson, who had impressed during the Super Smash tournament in New Zealand.

“It is an awesome opportunity with players being away at the IPL, for young guys such as Tim Robinson, who have shown their talent and had a good Super Smash tournament here in New Zealand during the summer,” Allen told Press Trust of India (PTI).

“It is rewarding for those guys and allows them to get an opportunity at the top level to see where they stand against a formidable Pakistan side,” he said.

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Finn Allen, fresh from a remarkable century against Pakistan earlier this year at home, acknowledged that it would be a tough challenge to compete against Pakistan in their backyard.

“I guess with the upcoming series, we batted out with them at home not too long ago, but it is on their turf now, and we know from tours in the past that they are pretty tough to beat at home,” Allen said.

“Hopefully, Mark Chapman can pull through for the boys again like last time, but I think it will be a good challenge and a good series,” he added.

New Zealand T20I squad vs Pakistan

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

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