Pakistan Unveils T20I Squad for New Zealand Clash, Babar Azam's Return to Key Position

Pakistan Cricket Board announces Playing XI for the 1st T20I against New Zealand, featuring debutants Usama Mir and Abbas Afridi. Captain Shaheen Afridi emphasizes strategic changes, relocating Babar Azam to No.3. The move aims to fine-tune the team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

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In a strategic move ahead of their first T20I clash against New Zealand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the Playing XI for the upcoming match. Led by the dynamic Shaheen Afridi, the team features notable changes, with the inclusion of two debutants, Usama Mir and Abbas Afridi, in the bowling lineup. This selection decision aligns with Pakistan's preparations for the T20 World Cup 2024, marking the beginning of a five-match series in New Zealand.

The series holds particular significance as it serves as Shaheen Afridi's inaugural assignment as the captain of the team. With a focus on refining their T20 prowess, the announcement of the Playing XI comes hours before the anticipated match at Eden Park, Auckland.

One of the noteworthy changes involves the batting order, specifically the return of Babar Azam to his former position at No.3. Contrary to earlier speculations about his opening alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Babar will now be strategically positioned in the middle order. Saim Ayub will take up the opening slot in his absence. Babar's track record at No.3 is impressive, amassing 690 runs from 19 games with an average of 49.28 between 2016 and 2021.

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Expressing his enthusiasm, Captain Shaheen Afridi stated, "It is a great honor and a proud moment to be captaining Pakistan." Acknowledging the team's T20 prowess in recent years, he emphasized the goal of achieving desired outcomes in significant tournaments. With 17 games preceding the T20 World Cup, Shaheen outlined the team's strategy to solidify their combination while nurturing a robust bench to mitigate potential injuries during the tournament.

Looking ahead, the Pakistan team aims to leverage these matches as a testing ground for younger talent, ensuring a well-rounded squad for the series in England. As the cricketing world watches, Pakistan's lineup decisions and strategic shifts unfold, setting the stage for an exciting T20 encounter with New Zealand.