Haris To Replace Babar; Shaheen Afridi Dropped? Pakistan's Strongest XI For NZ T20Is

Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Haris [Source: AP, @IamIsrarHashmi/X]

Yesterday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a dynamic 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. In an expected move, the Men in Green excluded the veteran duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan while introducing several fresh faces to their squad. 

Pakistan's Squad For NZ T20Is

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan

As Pakistan have confirmed their squad for the New Zealand T20Is, let's analyse and find out their most potent combination for the series. 

Top Order: Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris

(Stats of Yousuf, Usman, Haris in T20s)

Usman Khan has enjoyed stellar success in PSL as an opener, scoring 316 runs at an average of 35.11 and a blistering strike rate of 158. So, considering he can provide Pakistan with a blistering start, the dynamic right-hander should open the batting in the T20I series. 

Meanwhile, Omair Yousuf should be preferred for the second opener's role, having recorded impressive numbers in the Emerging Asia Cup last year. Additionally, he is technically more equipped than Mohammad Haris, who can be a genuine number three in Babar Azam's absence. 

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Middle Order: Salman, Shadab, Khushdil, Irfan Khan

(Stats of Pakistan all-rounders in T20s)

As Mohammad Rizwan has been dropped, his successor Agha Salman should bat at four, as he can anchor as well as play shots all around the park. Additionally, he can form a solid core with Shadab Khan, with whom he plays the PSL for Islamabad United. 

Meanwhile, Khushdil Shah, who received a much-awaited recall into the T20I team following his extraordinary performance in the Champions Trophy, is expected to play a crucial role in the lower middle order. 

Apart from scoring brisk runs, Salman, Shadab and Khushdil can chip in with a few overs of quality spin bowling. 

There could be a toss-up between Irfan Khan Niazi and Abdul Samad for the finisher's role, but Pakistan might prefer the former, at least in the first game, due to his superior record in T20s. 

(Records of Irfan and Samad in T20s)

Will Shaheen Be Dropped For His Abysmal CT Returns?

(Pakistan bowlers in T20Is)

Ace speedster Shaheen Afridi had a horrendous Champions Trophy campaign, scalping two wickets at a horrible average of 71 and an economy of 7.89. However, it's worth mentioning that Shaheen is Pakistan's highest wicket-taker in T20Is since 2024 (36 wickets, average 18.58, SR 13.6) and it will make no sense if Pakistan drop him from their T20I playing XI based on his Champions Trophy performance. 

Therefore, Pakistan should allow Shaheen to lead their fast bowling department with Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi, who have solid T20I numbers. 

With Shadab Khan expected to play as the leg spinner, Pakistan should prefer the left-handed Sufiyan Muqeem over Abrar for the second spinner's role. 

Pakistan's Strongest XI For NZ T20Is

Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Agha Salman (C), Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, SufiyanMuqeem

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