As the cricket world gears up for another thrilling series, Pakistan are set to face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series starting on March 16, 2025. The series opener will be held at the historic Hagley Oval in Christchurch, a venue known for its rich cricketing heritage and challenging conditions. Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, will be looking to make a strong statement after a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
With several key players benched, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan have made bold decisions to revamp their line-up.
A new era for Pakistan cricket
Pakistan’s decision to bench Babar and Rizwan is a clear indication of their intent to experiment and build towards the future. This series against New Zealand serves as a crucial warm-up for the T20 World Cup next year, and Pakistan will be keen to test their depth and talent. The inclusion of new faces like Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz adds excitement and unpredictability to the team.
Challenges for Pakistan
Pakistan also face a tough challenge against a New Zealand side that, despite being a second-string squad, is well-versed in home conditions. Michael Bracewell will lead the Kiwis, who have included experienced players like Ish Sodhi and Ben Sears. The absence of key players due to IPL commitments means New Zealand will rely on their depth and adaptability.
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Pakistan’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand
- Mohammad Haris
- Role: Opening batter
- Expectations: Provide explosive starts and set the tone for the innings.
- Strengths: Haris is known for his aggressive batting style, which can quickly change the momentum of the game. His ability to hit big shots early on can put pressure on the opposition bowlers and set a strong foundation for the rest of the batting lineup.
- Omair Bin Yousaf
- Role: Opening batter
- Expectations: Offer stability alongside Haris and build a strong foundation.
- Strengths: Omair can bring a mix of aggression and defensive solidity, making him an ideal partner for Haris. His ability to rotate the strike and play smart cricket can help stabilize the innings if Haris falls early.
- Abdul Samad
- Role: Top-order batter
- Expectations: Play a crucial role in stabilizing the innings and accelerating when needed.
- Strengths: Abdul Samad is a talented young batter with the ability to play big shots and rotate the strike effectively. His presence in the middle order can help maintain the momentum of the innings and provide a solid platform for the finishers.
- Khushdil Shah
- Role: Middle-order batter
- Expectations: Provide big-hitting ability in the middle order and finish games.
- Strengths: Khushdil is known for his powerful hitting, which makes him a game-changer in the latter stages of the innings. His ability to clear the boundary with ease can help Pakistan accelerate and post a competitive total.
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Role: All-rounder/Captain
- Expectations: Lead from the front with his batting and strategic decisions.
- Strengths: As captain, Salman needs to balance his batting responsibilities with leadership duties. He must ensure the team stays focused and motivated, while also contributing with the bat to stabilize the innings if needed.
- Shadab Khan (vc)
- Role: All-rounder
- Expectations: Contribute with both bat and ball, providing depth to the batting lineup and wicket-taking options.
- Strengths: Shadab is a versatile player who can bat aggressively and bowl effectively. His ability to hit big shots in the lower order and pick up crucial wickets with his leg-spin makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
- Jahandad Khan
- Role: All-rounder
- Expectations: Offer batting depth and provide support with his bowling.
- Strengths: Jahandad can bat in the middle order and contribute with his left-arm medium-fast bowling, adding depth to the team. His ability to bat and bowl makes him a useful asset in the lower order.
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Role: All-rounder
- Expectations: Offer batting depth and provide support with his bowling.
- Strengths: Afridi’s ability to bat and bowl makes him a useful asset in the lower order. He can provide additional batting depth and support the main bowlers by picking up wickets or controlling the run rate.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Role: Fast bowler
- Expectations: Take early wickets and set the tone for the bowling attack.
- Strengths: Shaheen is one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers, known for his ability to swing the ball and pick up crucial wickets. His presence at the top of the bowling attack can put pressure on the opposition from the start.
- Haris Rauf
- Role: Fast bowler
- Expectations: Deliver under pressure and provide wicket-taking options in the middle overs.
- Strengths: Haris is a skilled pacer who can bowl at high speeds and trouble batters with his variations. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs can disrupt the opposition’s momentum.
- Abrar Ahmed
- Role: Spinner
- Expectations: Trouble batters with his spin variations and control.
- Strengths: Abrar’s ability to spin the ball both ways makes him a challenging bowler to face, especially in T20 conditions. His control and variations can help Pakistan restrict the opposition’s scoring rate.
Also READ: New Zealand announces squad for the T20I series against Pakistan; appoints a new captain
