As Pakistan ready for the third T20 International against New Zealand in Dunedin, strategic changes have been implemented in the lineup to turn the tide in their favor. The team is determined to bounce back from the 2-0 series deficit, and the alterations aim to address specific challenges faced in the previous confronts.
Player Changes
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Mohammad Wasim Jr In, Abbas Afridi Out
Mohammad Wasim Jr steps in for Abbas Afridi, who is sidelined due to a low-grade abdominal muscle strain. Wasim brings his skill and versatility to fortify the team’s bowling attack.
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Mohammad Nawaz Replaces Usama Mir
Usama Mir, with a challenging performance in the first two games, has been replaced by Mohammad Nawaz. Nawaz’s inclusion is expected to provide a fresh perspective to the bowling department.
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Zaman Khan Takes Aamer Jamal’s Spot
Aamer Jamal, despite commendable performances in Test matches, has been omitted due to a high economy rate. In his place, T20I specialist Zaman Khan is introduced to bring his expertise to the bowling lineup.
The revised Pakistan playing XI for the third T20 International includes Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan, and Haris Rauf.
This lineup aims to strike a balance between experience and fresh energy to tackle the challenge.
New Zealand currently leads the series 2-0 after securing a 21-run victory in the second T20 International. The upcoming matches are crucial for Pakistan’s recovery, with fixtures scheduled at University Oval, Dunedin, and Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Full Squad
The full squad comprises Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain and wicket-keeper), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan.
As the cricketing world awaits the showdown in Dunedin, Pakistan’s strategic changes hope to bring spirit and resilience into the team, setting the stage for an overwhelming combat and a potential comeback in the T20 series against New Zealand.
