PCB announces T20I squad for New Zealand tour

Pakistan haven’t performed well as yet in the five-match ODI series. Their batsmen have given away wickets cheaply and bowlers too have failed to live up to the expectations. The Black Caps are threatening to run away with the series quite easily. The Green army are no match to New Zealand in their backyard. Sarfaraz Khan, Pakistan captain needs some runs against his name to set an example to his fellow players. His counterpart Kane Williamson has a century under his belt already.

Recently, Pakistan unveiled a new kit for the T20 series against New Zealand. The current form of the T20 team is also good. In the last series, they whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 quite comfortably. But this is altogether a different challenge. The conditions will be different in the Island country. PCB has announced a 15-man squad for the T20 series starting on January 22.

The team will surely miss the services of Imad Wasim who has not been named in the squad. He bowls four economical overs at the top that puts the opposition on the backfoot right from the start. The fast bowling department looks good with Hasan Ali, Mohammed Amir and Rumman Raees. Shoaib Malik will add experience and balance to the middle order. Mohammed Hafeez can contribute to the team only with the bat as he is not permitted to bowl.

Shehzad makes his comeback

The surprise selection came in the form of Ahmed Shehzad. His strike rate in ODIs is not good and he may not be the one who can score runs quickly. This may be his last chance to deliver as there are several others raring to go at the top of the order. The young and impressive Shadab Khan is also part of the side and much is expected of him.

Squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed(c/wk), Fakhan Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Mohammed Hafeez, Mohammed Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Aamer Yamin, Mohammed Amir, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees and Umar Amin.

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