LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the confirmed lineup for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
The inaugural match is set to take place today at Eden Park in Auckland, with the first ball scheduled for 1110 PKT.
This match signifies Shaheen Shah Afridi’s debut as captain, succeeding Babar Azam. The opening pair comprises Rizwan and Saim, while Babar Azam holds a position in the middle order. Fakhar, Iftikhar, and Azam Khan are slated for the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions, respectively, with Aamir and Usama batting at seven and eight.
Pakistan’s last T20I series occurred in April 2023 against New Zealand, with Mohammad Rizwan as the leading run-scorer and Haris Rauf excelling in bowling. Spinner Abrar Ahmed, initially part of the squad, is sidelined due to an injury sustained during the Test tour of Australia.
Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed his pride in captaining Pakistan, emphasizing the team’s focus on achieving desired results in upcoming tournaments. The pre-World Cup preparations include 17 games to solidify the squad’s composition and foster bench strength.
Pakistan’s Playing XI:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicket-keeper), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi (debutant), Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, and Usama Mir (debutant).
T20I series schedule:
1st T20: 12 January 2024 at Eden Park, Auckland
2nd T20: 14 January 2024 at Seddon Park, Hamilton
3rd T20: 17 January 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin
4th T20: 19 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
5th T20: 21 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
