Pakistan Squad for New Zealand T20I Series 2024: Changes, Schedule, and Expectations
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has just revealed the 17-member Pakistan Squad for New Zealand series for the upcoming five-match home T20I series. Let’s take a closer look at some notable changes and updates to the team.
Outgoings: Some familiar faces won’t be part of the squad this time around. Mohammad Nawaz, who’s been struggling with form, along with Aamer Jamal, known for his standout performance in the Australia Test series, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Haseebullah, have all been left out. Haris Rauf, who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the 9th season of the PSL, also hasn’t been included in the squad.
Incomings: On the brighter side, Mohammad Amir and the all-rounder Imad Wasim, who have recently come out of international retirement, have been selected to play. Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan are back in the team too, bringing their much-valued skills to the lineup. Plus, for the first time, we’ll see the hard-hitting batters Usman Khan and Irfan Khan donning the green jersey.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20I Series 2024:
Babar Azam (captain)
Abrar Ahmed
Azam Khan
Fakhar Zaman
Iftikhar Ahmed
Imad Wasim
Mohammad Abbas Afridi
Mohammad Amir
Muhammad Irfan Khan
Naseem Shah
Saim Ayub
Shadab Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Usama Mir
Usman Khan
Zaman Khan
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, and Salman Ali Agha
Now let’s dissect this squad as follows:
Batters (5): Looking at the squad in detail, the team’s batting strength comes from specialists like Babar Azam (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, and Irfan Khan Niazi.
WK/Batters (2): For the wicket-keeping roles, Mohammad Rizwan and Azam Khan have been chosen, ensuring the team has solid options both behind the stumps and with the bat in hand.
All-rounders (3): The squad also boasts three spinning all-rounders: Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmad, adding depth and versatility to the team.
Spinners (2): Usama Mir and Abrar Ahmad are included as the main spinners.
Pace Attack (5): Finally, the pace attack looks robust with Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Zaman Khan, and Abbas Afridi making up the fast-bowling options. This mix of young energy and experienced players makes the squad a compelling team for the series against New Zealand.
New Zealand T20I squad for Pakistan tour
Before Pakistan announced its squad, New Zealand had already shared the details of their team for the T20 International series. Notably, several of their key players, such as Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Trent Boult, are missing from the lineup because they are currently engaged in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The full members of the New Zealand squad, which introduces quite a few fresh faces, are given below.
Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi.
Full Schedule of the T20I series:
The T20 International series of 5 matches will start on April 18 in Rawalpindi, while the final match will be played on April 27 in Lahore.
Top of Form
1st T20I: Thursday, 18 April, Rawalpindi at 7 PM.
2nd T20I: Saturday, 20 April, Rawalpindi at 7 PM.
3rd T20I: Sunday, 21 April, Rawalpindi at 7 PM.
4th T20I: Thursday, 25 April, Lahore at 7 PM.
5th T20I: Saturday, 27 April, Lahore at 7 PM.
The Pakistan squad will assemble in Rawalpindi for a practice session on April 14.
