Wahab Riaz, Pakistan’s Chief Selector, has now announced the roster for the forthcoming T20 series against New Zealand. Let’s go over the major topics and get to know the guys that will represent Pakistan. There is a shift in leadership as fast bowler Shaheen Afridi takes over as captain from Babar Azam. This is a big occasion for Afridi, and supporters are excited to watch how he handles the captaincy.
Check: PSL Schedule 2024 – PSL 9 Timetable
Pakistan’s squad for New Zealand T20 series
This will be the Shaheens who will play for Pakistan in the land of Kiwis.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | Fast bowler |
| Aamer Jamal | Allrounder |
| Abbas Afridi | Fast bowler |
| Abrar Ahmad | Offspinner |
| Azam Khan | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batsman |
| Babar Azam | Batsman |
| Haris Rauf | Fast bowler |
| Haseebullah | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
| Iftikhar Ahmad | Allrounder |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Allrounder |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
| Mohammad Wasim | Fast bowler |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Batsman |
| Saim Ayub | Batsman |
| Usama Mir | Legspinner |
| Zaman Khan | Fast bowler |
Check: Lahore Qalandars Squad 2024 PSL 9 [CONFIRMED]
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 schedule 2024
Here is the schedule for the series.
| Match Number | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 January 2024 | Auckland |
| 2 | 14 January 2024 | Hamilton |
| 3 | 17 January 2024 | Dunedin |
| 4 | 19 January 2024 | Christchurch |
| 5 | 21 January 2024 | Christchurch |
Comments from our expert analysts
The team is full of fresh talent! Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub, Haseebullah Khan, and Sahibzada Farhan add a youthful and vibrant air to the group.
They’re eager to show off their skills on the big stage. Keep an eye out for Azam Khan, who is known for his powerful batting. He joins an experienced group that includes Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan. Azam Khan’s massive hits make him an important member of Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Check: Islamabad United Squad 2024 – PSL 9 [CONFIRMED]
Selector Wahab Riaz revealed why Haseebullah Khan was chosen. He cited Haseebullah’s strong middle-order performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and his consistency in white-ball cricket. Even though Haseebullah normally begins in domestic cricket, the squad is looking into middle-order possibilities.
Riaz admitted that several players struggled to make an impression in the middle order. The squad is now in a rebuilding process, looking for players who can fill the critical spots from 4 to 7 in the batting order.
Check: Multan Sultans Squad 2024 [PSL 9 Squad] – CONFIRMED
Why isn’t wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris in the squad? Riaz stated that they opted to take a break from him for this season. They want to offer those who did well in first-class cricket an opportunity. Also missing is all-rounder Shadab Khan, who suffered an ankle injury during the National T20. He needs a few more weeks of rehabilitation before he can return to bowling.
Concluding remarks
The series against New Zealand promises to be exciting, with a new captain, a combination of experience and youngsters, and an emphasis on rebuilding the squad. It’s not only about the games; it’s also about trying out new strategies, strengthening the team, and preparing for future difficulties.
Pakistan’s lineup for the New Zealand T20 series includes a mix of experienced players and budding stars. The selectors are emphasizing development and rebuilding, thus this series is critical for the team’s future. All eyes will be on Shaheen Afridi and the squad as we prepare for the action, eager to leave their imprint on the cricketing globe.