The T20 World Cup 2024 will be held in the West Indies and the United States. The team Pakistan will start preparing for this marquee event from the New Zealand series. The series will consist of five T20s which will kick on 12 January.
The chief selector Wahab Riaz is expected to announce the squad for the New Zealand Series tomorrow. World Cup preparation will be taken into account when forming the squad. There will be no major changes expected except a few domestic performers may get called to the national team.
This article discusses the probable and strong candidate that will give a tough time to New Zealand on this tour.
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When will PCB announce the Squad for the New Zealand Series?
It is anticipated that Wahab Riaz will announce the squad for the New Zealand Series within a day. The squad will be formed based on preparation for the World Cup.
Sahibzada Farhan, recently selected by Lahore Qalandars in the PSL 2024 Draft, is expected to be part of the squad. Squad for the New Zealand Series and some other performers including Ahmad Shehzad likely invited to the training camp.
Top Order
With new management and a new captain, we might witness a revamped top order for Pakistan. Consequently, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan might bat down the order due to Pakistan’s middle-order weaknesses, requiring experienced hands in that section.
Therefore, the top three slots could be occupied by Saim, Fakhar, and Babar, while Sahibzada Farhan would serve as a backup opener in the team.
Middle Order
Ifthikar Ahmad stands as the obvious choice for Pakistan in T20Is due to his consistent performance. In the future or this series, we might not be surprised to see Mohammad Rizwan batting at number four in T20Is.
Pakistan might consider recalling the power hitter Azam Khan to bolster the middle order, considering his strong performances in domestic cricket, along with wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris.
Wicket Keepers
In this tour, Pakistan will likely select three wicketkeepers, with Mohammad Rizwan serving as their primary wicketkeeper-batsman. Mohammad Haris has been the backup keeper for some time, and the selectors will also likely choose Azam Khan to acknowledge his domestic performances.
Spinners
Despite New Zealand’s pitches and generally unfavourable conditions for spinners, the significance of spin bowling remains undeniable. Pakistan is likely to include Usama Mir and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the squad. While Shadab Khan is injured, so he may not be included in the squad. Additionally, Pakistan might select Abrar Ahmed in the squad to groom him as a lethal weapon in the white-ball circuit.
Fast Bowers
Shaheen Shah Afridi is slated to spearhead the fast-bowling attack. Naseem Shah is currently unfit and undergoing rehabilitation, while Haris Rauf will return to the T20I side after missing out on the Australia Test tour. Additionally, Zaman Khan is expected to retain his spot on the T20I side.
Moreover, Faheem Ashraf is poised to secure his place in the squad as a fast-bowling all-rounder. Pakistan may also consider recalling Shahnawaz Dhani and Waseem Jnr for the New Zealand series due to favourable conditions for pacers.
Pakistan Probable Squad for the New Zealand Series
Batters
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Iftikhar Ahmad
- Sahibzada Farhan
Wicket Keepers
- Muhammad Rizwan
- Mohammad Haris
- Azam Khan
Spinners
- Usama Mir
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Abrar Ahmed
Fast Bowlers
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi (Captain)
- Haris Rauf
- Zaman Khan
- Waseem Jnr
- Shahnawaz Dhani
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