Saim Injured; Babar, Naseem Dropped, Shadab In? Pakistan's Strongest Squad For NZ T20Is

Pakistan will face NZ in 5 T20Is [Source: AP Photos]

Pakistan suffered a heartbreaking end to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, as they crashed out of the tournament following two crushing defeats in the group stage. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan incurred a heavy loss against New Zealand before arch-rivals India swatted them aside in a one-sided encounter. 

Pakistan Likely To Make Big Changes For NZ Tour

After Pakistan's horrendous performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, the country's several media agencies have reported some significant squad changes for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. In such a scenario, the Men in Green are expected to introduce some fresh faces, especially to their T20I setup. 

So, as they gear up for the much-awaited tour, let's analyse and find out what their strongest squad for the T20I series should be if they decide to exclude several senior players, including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. 

No Saim Ayub; Babar Azam Excluded, Mohammad Haris In?

Pakistan's swashbuckling batter Saim Ayub was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury. According to an ESPN Cricinfo report dated 7th February 2025, Ayub is rehabilitating in England and might miss the New Zealand tour, which kickstarts on the 16th of this month. 

Saim Ayub’s Potential Replacement - Omair Yousuf

(Stats of Omair, Farhan and Haseebullah in T20s)

If Saim Ayub doesn't recover from his injury, which is quite expected, Pakistan should include Omair Bin Yousuf in their squad as a top-order batter. Sahibzada Farhan and Haseebullah are two other options they might look at, but Omair has been a better performer than these two in T20 cricket, as evidenced by the above stats. 

Mohammad Haris At 3; No Babar Azam?

(Difference in Haris and Babar's approach in powerplay)

Babar Azam's timid approach in the powerplay is well signified by his strike rate of 129.38 in T20Is since 2022. If Pakistan decide to ensure more dynamism at the expense of reliability, they should bring Mohammad Haris back into their T20 setup. 

Harris is known for his ultra-aggressive stroke play, which can help Pakistan capitalise on the field restrictions and get off to a flying start in the New Zealand T20Is. He is a top-order batter and can be slotted at three if Pakistan use either Omair Yousuf or Usman Khan as Rizwan's opening partner. 

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Tayyab Tahir Out, Khushdil Shah In

(Recent performance of Tayyab Tahir and Khushdil Shah)

Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir had a poor Champions Trophy campaign, managing only five runs across two innings. He hasn't had a great T20I career either, as evidenced by the above stats. 

So, in order to strengthen their finishing department, Pakistan should exclude Tahir and replace him with the in-form Khushdil Shah. The explosive southpaw performed brilliantly in the Champions Trophy and can be a game-changer with the bat. In 166 T20 innings, Shah has struck 3338 runs at a superb strike rate of 137.47. 

Shadab Khan Back Amid Agha Salman’s Poor T20I Performance?

(T20I stats of Shadab and Agha Salman)

All-rounder Agha Salman has been a valuable asset for Pakistan in ODIs. However, he hasn't been able to replicate a similar success in T20Is, managing only 50 runs and two wickets in six matches. 

Therefore, the Men in Green should include Shadab Khan in their squad for the New Zealand T20Is. Qasim Akram is another name the selectors might consider, but Shadab could get the first priority because of his experience. 

Naseem, Rauf, Hasnain Out; Wasim Jr, Mohammad Imran In

(Stats of Wasim Jr and Mohammad Imran)

Naseem Shah wasn't a part of Pakistan's squad for the South Africa T20Is. As he failed to strike at crucial junctures in the Champions Trophy, the Men in Green might not bring him back for the NZ T20Is. 

Mohammad Wasim Jr, who has bagged 36 T20I wickets at a superb average of 15.4, should receive a recall for his ability to operate effectively across all phases. 

Haris Rauf, who played in the Champions Trophy despite an injury, should be rested for this series, with a proven performer like Mohammad Imran taking his place in the team. Abbas Afridi and Shaheen Afridi should lead the pace attack, with Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem retaining their places as the frontline spinners. 

Pakistan's Strongest Squad For New Zealand T20Is

Mohammad Rizwan (c/WK), Mohammad Haris, Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Aamir Jamal/Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Imran, Sufiyan Muqeem

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