Oram flies home for birth

Jacob Oram will miss New Zealand's opening Twenty20 match in Dubai

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Jacob Oram is to fly home before New Zealand’s opening Twenty20 against Pakistan in Dubai to be with his wife, who is expecting their first baby.

All-rounder Oram will be one of two Kiwi absentees for the match on Thursday, as seamer Kyle Mills is out with a shoulder injury.

Mills will stay with the team in the hope he may be fit again in time for the second Twenty20 on Friday, also at the Dubai Sports City Stadium.

New Zealand are hoping all-rounder James Franklin, who practised today, will be available for both matches.