Pakistan’s probable bowling attack for the first T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand, set to take place in Auckland on January 12, has been revealed.
During practice session on Tuesday, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan formed one bowling unit, delivering with the new ball. Simultaneously, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Aamer Jamal, and Abbas Afridi constituted the other bowling contingent at a separate practice net.
However, a notable development occurred during the subsequent practice session on Wednesday, where Aamer Jamal joined Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf in their bowling endeavors. Pakistan is deliberating the option of fielding four pacers in the first T20, with Shaheen Afridi leading the pace attack, accompanied by Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and the all-rounder Jamal.
Usama Mir is likely to get the nod over Mohammad Nawaz as the preferred spinner for the first match. Nevertheless, if the team opts to deploy both spinners, Mir and Nawaz, then a choice between Aamer Jamal and Zaman Khan will be made for the third pacer spot.
On the batting front, during practice on Tuesday, Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan were observed facing the new ball against the pace trio of Shaheen, Rauf, and Zaman. However, in a subsequent session on Wednesday, Saim and Babar Azam were paired together to confront the new ball, with Shaheen, Rauf, and Jamal as the bowling trio.
The likely batting order is set to feature Rizwan and Saim as the opening pair, with Babar Azam following at one-down. Fakhar Zaman is expected to take the fourth position.
Azam Khan will occupy the fifth spot in the batting order and play as wicketkeeper, while Iftikhar Ahmed is expected to provide firepower at the sixth position. However, positions of Iftikhar and Azam can be switched as per the situation.
Likely Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (VC), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi (C), Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
Full squad: 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
Schedule of T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan:
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