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3 Players Who Can Return To Pakistan Squad For NZ Series After Champions Trophy Debacle

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan will take on NZ in March [Source: AP]Pakistan will take on NZ in March [Source: AP]

On Thursday, Pakistan concluded their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, with the final match against Bangladesh ending in a washout at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan finished last in the group-A standings, failing to win a single match in the competition. 

So, the upcoming New Zealand tour will be a litmus test for Pakistan, as they would be keen to regain their mojo with a series win. In such a scenario, the Men in Green might make several key changes to their squad, bringing in some forgotten players back into the setup. 

1. Mohammad Wasim Jr

Bowler
Wickets
Average/SR
Naseem Shah250/54
Shaheen Afridi271/54
Haris Rauf267.50/51

(PAK pacers' performance in Champions Trophy)

  • The failure of Pakistan's fast bowling department was a major reason behind their downfall in the ICC Champions Trophy. Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf scalped two wickets each; however, their failure to strike at regular intervals let Pakistan down in the tournament. 
  • Therefore, Pakistan might decide to make some crucial amendments to their fast bowling department in the New Zealand tour. In such a scenario, Mohammad Wasim Jr might receive a recall into the white-ball setup. 
  • Wasim Jr was a consistent performer before getting dropped from the team. He has scalped 34 ODI wickets at an average of 25.17 while picking up 36 wickets in 29 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 15.3. 

2. Mohammad Haris

Innings
Runs
Average/SR
107236923.22/145.60

(Mohammad Haris T20 stats)

  • Pakistan's top-order batters received massive backlash for their timid approach in the Champions Trophy. While an injury setback derailed Fakhar Zaman's participation, the likes of Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel adopted an ultra-defensive approach in the multinational tournament. 
  • These players' poor strike rate resulted in Pakistan's poor returns with the bat in the Champions Trophy. Therefore, the Men in Green might recall Mohammad Haris, who can provide them with rollicking starts on the New Zealand tour.
  • Haris's inclusion can boost Pakistan's top order and strengthen their lineup with a more dynamic option in the powerplay. The right-hander is known for his 360-degree stroke play and can frustrate the Kiwis on New Zealand's batting-friendly tracks. 

3. Shadab Khan

Format
Runs
Wickets
ODIs85585
T20Is679107

(Shadab Khan's record in ODIs and T20Is)

  • Experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan lost his place in the national side following his underwhelming returns in international cricket. 
  • However, with Pakistan struggling to fill his void with another reliable bowling all-rounder, Shadab Khan might be brought back to the team for the New Zealand T20Is. 
  • Although Agha Salman has cemented his place in the ODI team, his T20I record has been nothing short of shambolic. In five T20I innings, Salman has scored 50 runs at a horrendous average of 10 while scalping only two wickets in six matches. 
  • So, considering his prolonged rough patch in T20I cricket, Pakistan might recall Shadab to play the spin-bowling all-rounder's role in the New Zealand series.