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3 Pakistan Players Who Need To Fire In Babar Azam's Absence In 1st T20I Vs New Zealand

Anurag Dasgupta

Players who need to step up in Babar's absence [Source; AP Photo] Players who need to step up in Babar's absence [Source; AP Photo]

The wait is almost over as Pakistan will take on New Zealand in a riveting T20I series, starting on Sunday, March 16. Pakistan crashed out of the Champions Trophy group stage and they will be looking to forget the past and move ahead as a tough challenge awaits the newly appointed T20I skipper, Agha Salman.

For Pakistan, they have made quite a few changes in the team, with star players like Babar Azam getting dropped from the T20I squad. Babar's void will be there in the squad and here are 3 Pakistan batters who need to step up in his absence in the 1st T20I.

1) Mohammad Haris

Criterion
Data
Matches109
Runs2369
Strike-rate145

(Haris stats in T20s)

The comeback man of Pakistan cricket, Mohammad Haris will most probably open for Pakistan in the first T20I and will replace Babar as the opener. He has big shoes to fill in as a solid start is expected of him in star players' absence.

Recently he did well in the domestic circuit and Pakistan have high hopes from the opening batter. In 109 T20 matches, Haris has accumulated 2369 runs, at a strike-rate of 145. The New Zealand grounds are small and he is expected to do well in Babar's absence.

2) Usman Khan

Criterion
Data
Matches62
Runs1724
Strike-rate145.48

(Usman Khan stats in T20s)

The explosive batter is likely to play at opening slot or at the number 3 position and his batting exploits could decide the fate of the match Vs New Zealand. He was a star in the Bangladesh Premier League (2024-25) and was fast-tracked in the T20I squad.

Known for his ability to clear any ground, Usman Khan will have the responsibility to play his natural aggressive game and with no Babar in the squad and the selectors showing faith in Usman, he needs to step up and deliver the goods in the absence of senior players.

3) Agha Salman

The selectors showed trust in Agha Salman and appointed him as the captain of the T20I team. With no Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman needs to step up and showcase his skills as a batter.

A T20I strike-rate of just 79 and a T20 strike-rate of just 116 doesn't justify his talent, but the upcoming 1st T20I provides an opportunity for Agha Salman to silence his critics and deliver the goods as Pakistan need their new captain to fire all guns blazing.