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Pakistan are gearing up for the T20 World Cup 2024 with a challenging five-match T20I series against New Zealand, set to commence at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Wednesday (April 18) before concluding with two thrilling encounters at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Babar Azam leads Pakistan’s charge
Led by the Babar Azam, who recently reclaimed the T20I captaincy from Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan boasts a formidable lineup bolstered by the return of seasoned campaigners Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, both of whom made surprising comebacks from retirement last month.
Imad Wasim’s stellar performance in PSL 2024
Imad’s stellar performance in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (2024) has garnered widespread acclaim, particularly his instrumental role in leading Islamabad United to clinch the championship. Despite a sluggish start to the tournament, Imad showcased exceptional resilience in the knockout stages and the final, clinching multiple Player of the Match awards, including a memorable fifer in the title clash while also contributing valuable unbeaten runs. Finishing with 12 wickets and 126 runs overall, Imad’s all-round brilliance underscored his pivotal role in Islamabad’s triumph.
Mohammad Amir’s return and impact in PSL 2024
Similarly, Amir demonstrated his mettle as a frontline bowler for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 2024 campaign. Across nine gripping encounters, Amir showcased his prowess by scalping 10 crucial wickets at an impressive economy rate of 8 and an average of 28, coupled with a remarkable strike rate of 20, reaffirming his status as a potent bowling asset for his team.
New Zealand’s second-string lineup
In contrast, the visiting New Zealand side have opted for a second-string lineup, with their regular stars engaged in IPL commitments. Earlier this year, Pakistan faced a setback during their tour of New Zealand, succumbing to a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series under the leadership of Shaheen. As they gear up for redemption, Pakistan’s seasoned campaigners and emerging talents aim to make a resounding statement in the upcoming series, setting the stage for a captivating showdown against their Blackcaps counterparts.
Also READ: Pakistan cricket appoints new head coach ahead of home T20I series against New Zealand
Pakistan’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand:
- Fakhar Zaman (Opening Batter) – Fakhar Zaman is a dynamic left-handed opening batter known for his aggressive stroke play. He can set the tone for the innings with his powerful hitting and ability to take on the bowlers from the outset.
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper, Top-order Batter) – Mohammad Rizwan is a versatile player who can keep wickets and bat effectively in the top order. His ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships makes him an invaluable asset in the middle overs.
- Babar Azam (Captain, Top-order Batter) – Babar Azam is the linchpin of the batting lineup, renowned for his elegant stroke-making and consistency. As the captain, he provides stability and leadership to the team while anchoring the innings with his solid technique.
- Iftikhar Ahmed (Middle-order Batter, Part-time Bowler) – Iftikhar Ahmed adds depth to the batting lineup with his aggressive batting style and handy off-spin bowling. He can accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs and chip in with crucial breakthroughs when called upon to bowl.
- Usman Khan (Right-hand Batter, Off-spin Bowler) – Usman Khan is a versatile player who can contribute with both bat and ball. As a right-handed top-order batter, he adds solidity and aggression to the batting lineup, capable of anchoring the innings or accelerating the scoring rate as required. Additionally, he provides a handy option with his off-spin bowling, offering variety to the team’s bowling attack and the ability to pick up crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
- Imad Wasim (All-rounder, Middle-order Batter, Left-arm Spinner) – Imad Wasim is a reliable all-rounder who provides balance to the team with his left-arm spin bowling and lower-order batting. He can contain the opposition with his tight lines and contribute valuable runs down the order.
- Shadab Khan (All-rounder, Leg-spin Bowler, Middle-order Batter) – Shadab Khan is a talented leg-spin bowler and aggressive lower-order batter. His ability to spin the ball both ways and pick up wickets at crucial junctures makes him a key player in the team’s bowling attack.
- Shaheen Afridi (Left-arm Fast Bowler) – Shaheen Afridi is a genuine wicket-taking fast bowler known for his pace and swing. He can generate movement with the new ball and trouble the batters with his deceptive variations.
- Usama Mir (Leg-spin Bowler) – Usama Mir is a talented leg-spin bowler who can provide support to the frontline spinners. He has the ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive the batter with his variations.
- Mohammad Amir (Left-arm Fast Bowler) – Mohammad Amir is a seasoned campaigner with the ability to swing the ball both ways at a brisk pace. He can provide breakthroughs with the new ball and bowl tight spells in the death overs.
- Naseem Shah (Right-arm Fast Bowler) – Naseem Shah is a young and exciting fast bowler known for his raw pace and aggression. He can unsettle the opposition batters with his express pace and extract bounce from any surface.
