pakistan-playing-xi-for-first-new-zealand-t20i

Pakistan will play New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series tomorrow in Auckland, and there is a lot of anticipation about Pakistan’s playing XI. The anticipation stems from this being the first T20I game under the new regime.

Shaheen Afridi will lead Pakistan for the first time in his career after being announced as captain after Babar Azam’s resignation. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan will serve as his deputy.

Mohammad Hafeez-led coaching staff will also exhibit their strategic skills in the shortest format after a 3-0 whitewash in their first assignment, which was Test series Down Under.

Tactical Changes

There was a lot of chatter about major changes in the playing XI of Pakistan for New Zealand series, with the most notable being the break-up of Azam and Rizwan as the opening pair.

Well, the probable playing XI for Pakistan in the first T20I, has been revealed, providing insights into the team’s tactical approach.

The batting order is expected to showcase the composed Mohammad Rizwan and dynamic Saim Ayub as the opening pair, setting the stage for an impactful start. Babar Azam is poised to take the one-down position, bringing his consistent and commanding batting prowess to the forefront. Fakhar Zaman is expected to provide fireworks at the crucial fourth spot in the lineup.

The wicketkeeper role will be entrusted to explosive Azam Khan, who is slated to bat at number five. Meanwhile, Iftikhar Ahmed is positioned at the sixth spot to add further fire to the lower order. It’s worth noting that the flexibility exists for Iftikhar and Azam to swap positions based on the match situation.

Shaheen Afridi will lead the pace attack, alongside his Lahore Qalandars’ mates Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan. Aamir Jamal, after an impressive debut Test series in Australia, will an all-around dimension to the team’s strategy.

pakistan-playing-xi-for-first-new-zealand-t20i
Source: PCB

Meanwhile, Usama Mir will get the nod as the main spinner against New Zealand, with Iftikhar Ahmed adding his part-time spin bowling as per requirement.

Probable Playing XI

  1. Saim Ayub
  2. Mohammad Rizwan (vc)
  3. Babar Azam
  4. Fakhar Zaman
  5. Azam Khan (wk)
  6. Iftikhar Ahmed
  7. Aamer Jamal
  8. Shaheen Afridi (c)
  9. Usama Mir
  10. Haris Rauf
  11. Zaman Khan

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