Pakistan T20I Squad Announced for Series Against New Zealand
Pakistan has announced its T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as the captain. The squad sees regular white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and former T20I World No. 1 Babar Azam being dropped, while Shaheen Afridi will also be missing from the ODI side.
New Leadership in T20I Squad
Salman Ali Agha will lead the Pakistan T20I squad as the captain, with Mohammad Rizwan continuing as the ODI captain on the multi-format tour. Agha, who has previously captained Pakistan against Zimbabwe, will be supported by vice-captain Shadab Khan. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to appoint Agha as the T20I captain is aimed at preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Furthermore, in a move to recognize outstanding domestic performances, three uncapped players – Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali – have been included in the T20I squad. Samad impressed with his batting in the Champions T20 Cup, while Nawaz and Ali showcased their skills as well. Additionally, Shaheen Afridi makes his return to the T20I squad after missing the South Africa series in December.
ODI Squad and Injuries
In the ODI squad, Mohammad Rizwan will be the captain, with Salman Ali Agha as the vice-captain. The squad also includes uncapped players like Akif Javed, who performed well in the Champions ODI Cup. Due to injuries, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered for selection. Zaman is recovering from a muscle sprain, while Ayub is sidelined with a fractured ankle.
Coaching Staff and Schedule
Interim head coach Aqib Javed will continue in his role for this series, with Mohammad Yousuf appointed as the batting coach. The Pakistan team will play five T20Is and three ODIs against New Zealand from March 16 to April 5.
Pakistan Squads for New Zealand Tour
T20I Squad:
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Shadab Khan (vice-captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Nawaz
- Jahandad Khan
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Haris
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Omair Bin Yousaf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufyan Moqim
- Usman Khan
ODI Squad:
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain)
- Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Akif Javed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Sufyan Moqim
- Tayyab Tahir
A wicketkeeper/batter will be added to the ODI squad following the T20I series.
Stay tuned for more updates on Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand as the teams prepare for an exciting series of T20Is and ODIs.
Analysis of Pakistan’s T20I Squad Selection
The selection of Salman Ali Agha as the T20I captain marks a strategic move by the Pakistan Cricket Board to groom leadership talent for the future. Agha, known for his aggressive batting style and tactical acumen, brings a fresh perspective to the team. His experience as a captain against Zimbabwe will serve him well in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
With the exclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam from the T20I squad, Pakistan is signaling a shift towards providing opportunities to emerging players and rewarding domestic performances. This bold decision underscores the team management’s commitment to fostering a competitive environment and ensuring that players earn their spots based on form and merit.
Shaheen Afridi’s return to the T20I squad adds firepower to Pakistan’s bowling attack. Afridi, a proven match-winner with his ability to swing the ball at pace, will be a key asset for the team in the series against New Zealand. His presence will bolster Pakistan’s chances of success in the T20 format.
Key Players to Watch Out For
Among the uncapped players in the T20I squad, Abdul Samad stands out as a promising talent to watch. His explosive batting in the Champions T20 Cup has earned him a place in the national team, and fans will be eager to see how he performs on the international stage. Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Ali, with their all-round skills, also have the potential to make an impact and stake their claim in the team.
Shadab Khan, as the vice-captain, brings valuable experience and leadership to the squad. Known for his leg-spin bowling and dynamic batting, Khan will play a crucial role in supporting Agha and guiding the team on the field. His partnership with the captain will be instrumental in shaping Pakistan’s strategy and performance in the T20I series.
Expectations for the Series Against New Zealand
With a blend of seasoned campaigners and new faces, Pakistan’s T20I squad exudes a sense of balance and depth. The team will be aiming to make a strong statement against New Zealand and build momentum ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The series presents an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, test their mettle against quality opposition, and stake their claim for a permanent spot in the national team.
As the squad gears up for the challenging series, fans can look forward to an exciting display of cricketing talent, strategic battles, and thrilling contests between bat and ball. The clash between Pakistan and New Zealand promises to be a riveting spectacle, with both teams eager to assert their dominance and come out on top in the T20I and ODI matches.
Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage and analysis of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, as the teams engage in a captivating cricketing duel that is sure to enthrall fans worldwide.
