Mystery Spinner In, Abrar Ahmed Dropped? Pakistan's Probable XI For 4th T20I Vs NZ

Pakistan predicted XI [Source: AP Photo]

The unthinkable happened as Pakistan thrashed New Zealand in the 3rd T20I on Friday to make a rousing comeback in the series. The visitors were 2-0 down and needed a miracle and it was provided by Hasan Nawaz who played a blinder and slammed a magnificent ton to steer his team to a win.

Pakistan needed 205 to stay alive in the series and they achieved the target in some style as the team reached the target in just 16 overs and made a huge statement with the victory. 

Now, the caravan moves towards the 4th T20I with Pakistan oozing in confidence, but the team still has one issue in the side and they need to resolve it before the game as we look at their probable playing XI.

No place for Abrar, Sufiyan Muqeem in?

Abrar Ahmed was preferred over mystery spinner, Sufiyan Muqeem in the T20Is Vs New Zealand and Abrar has been below his best as the spinner went for plenty in the last T20I against the Kiwis. He conceded 43 runs and despite picking up 2 wickets, the spinner lacked control over his lines and lengths.

On the other hand, Sufiyan Muqeem had a dream start to his T20I career, but has since warm the bench for Pakistan.

(Abrar stats in NZ T20Is, Sufiyan stats in T20Is overall)

As the stats suggests, the New Zealand conditions require only one spinner and Sufiyan should be given a chance in the playing XI. While every other Pakistan bowlers choked the Kiwi batters in the 3rd T20I, Abrar leaked runs and all the pressure created on the Kiwi batters was released in a fraction of a second.

Khushdil Shah out, Usman Khan in?

Khushdil is not likely to lose his place in the 4th T20I as Pakistan have immense belief in him, but the all-rounder hasn't repaid the faith as of yet.

He has been below average with the ball and conceded 18 runs in the only over he bowled in 3rd T20I. Pakistan have enough spinners in their ranks and instead of an out of form Khushdil, they can bring in another explosive batter, Usman Khan, who can easily clear the grounds of New Zealand and can be another X-factor which Pakistan needs at the moment.

When other Pakistan batters strike at nearly 150-plus, Khushdil has a strike-rate of just 106.25. Plus, he only has taken a solitary wicket in the series and hasn't delivered the goods. Hence, it could be an interesting choice if Pakistan do bring in an explosive batter in the middle-order.

Pakistan Probable XI For 4th T20I Vs NZ

Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf

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