Two Spinners In; No Place For Shaheen, Haris Rauf? Pakistan's Probable XI For 1st T20I vs NZ

Shaheen and Haris Rauf- (Source:@FaridKhan/X.com)

On Sunday, March 16, Pakistan will lock horns against New Zealand in the first of a five-match T20I series at the Hagley Oval. The PCB has named a new and fresh-looking squad to turn things around for the Men in Green in the shortest format of the game.

It is worth noting that the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were under the criticism for their outdated style of play, have been dropped from the side, to give new faces a chance to shine and make a mark under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha. 

Ahead of the crucial first T20I, this article will shed light on Pakistan's probable XI.

Hasan Nawaz To Open With Mohammad Haris?

Hasan Nawaz earned his maiden international call-up for the New Zealand tour, and the keeper-batter is likely to make his debut in the first T20I. 

The selectors have focused on players' performance in PAK T20 Cup 2024, where Hasan opened for the Lions and amassed 312 runs in nine innings, averaging 34.67. Most importantly, he enjoyed a healthy strike-rate of 142. His stint also includes two fifty-plus scores. 

The selectors are looking to shift style of play at the top and thus, he alongside, Mohammad Haris, would be two explosive batters looking to have a go from the first ball of the match. 

Nawaz's performance in PAK T20 Cup 2024

Usman Khan, Salman Agha And Khushdil Shah To Highlight Middle-Order

In the absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the middle-order will be taken care by Usman Khan, Salman Agha, and Khushdil Shah. As seen in the T20Is against Zimbabwe, Usman Khan came to bat at No.3, followed by skipper Salman Agha.

Thus, the Men in Green would to continue with that combo as Khan is also known for power-hitting and in case of any mishap at the top, Salman can provide the stability and play the anchor role. 

Usman had a great BPL and also played his part against Zimbabwe in the T20I series. 

Usman Khan in BPL

Khushdil Shah is another player who deserves a place in the Pakistan team as he was the sole positive for the Men in Green in Champions Trophy 2025. Shah repaid the faith in the selectors and amassed 107 runs in two matches. 

Khushdil Shah's Knocks in Champions Trophy

Shadab Khan To Return To The Playing XI After A Year?

Shadab Khan's return to the team has been surprising as he hasn't done anything impressive to find a place in the team. On top of that, he has also been named the vice-captain of the tem, which makes his return to the playing XI a certainty. 

The move can only be decoded as a probable last chance for Shadab to prove his skills and impress the selectors. 

Abbas Afridi To Lead Pace-Attack With Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will lead the pace-attack despite their recent struggles. But since the selectors have not named Naseem Shah in the squad, Abbas Afridi is most likely to replace him in the playing XI. 

Shaheen Afridi's performance vs New Zealand in T20Is

Afridi has take 33 T20I wickets against New Zealand, the most for him against any nation. Thus, he deserves a place in the playing XI. 

Haris Rauf's performance vs New Zealand in T20Is

Abbas Afridi's performance vs Zimbabwe

Further, in the spin line-up, Abrar Ahmed is likely to get a nod ahead of Sufiyan Muqeem for the first T20I.

Pakistan's Probable XI For 1st T20I vs NZ

Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz(WK), Usman Khan, Salman Ali Agha (C) Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

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