Top-order batters Devon Conway and Finn Allen on Thursday turned down New Zealand central contracts to pursue a career in franchise cricket

The West Indies will aim to continue their winning streak, while New Zealand will be eager to bounce back from their previous defeat.

Michael Bracewell was named captain Wednesday on his return from more than a year out with a ruptured Achilles and broken finger in the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson, who is playing for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

In the sixth over, Finn Allen hit Haris Rauf for 27 runs, including three sixes and two fours.

Babar Azam hit 58 off 37 balls but did not get any helping hand from his teammates as New Zealand won the game by 45 runs.

Finn Allen's 137 is the highest score by a New Zealander in a T20 international, surpassing the previous best of 123 set by Brendon McCullum.

Finn Allen went past Brendon McCullum as the player with the highest score by a New Zealander in the shortest format of the game

Pace bowler Adam Milne claimed four wickets as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 21 runs in the second Twenty20 international Sunday to take a 2-0 series lead.

It all started with a six over deep mid-wicket off a slower first ball. Allen then smashed three fours in a row before hitting a six over long-on.

New Zealand have issued an update on Tim Southee, stating that the pacer needs further assessment on his finger and won't come back on the field.