Usman Khan Back; No Shadab? 3 Potential Changes In Pakistan's XI For 2nd T20I vs NZ

Pakistan lost the 1st T20I by 9 wickets [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]

This morning, Pakistan had the worst possible start to their white-ball tour of New Zealand, as the hosts crushed them by nine wickets in the first T20I of the five-match series. The one-sided encounter in Christchurch witnessed a remarkable win for the Kiwis, who chased a paltry 92-run total in 10.1 overs. 

Will Pakistan Drop Shadab Khan? 

Experienced cricketer Shadab Khan was a major disappointment for Pakistan. After getting dismissed for three runs, Shadab conceded 18 runs off his two overs while failing to pick up a single wicket. 

Nevertheless, Pakistan recently appointed the veteran cricketer as their vice-captain in T20Is. Considering his stature, Shadab will likely get a few more matches to prove his mettle. 

However, after an embarrassing defeat in the 1st match, Pakistan might make a few changes to their playing XI for the second T20I, as mentioned below. 

1. Usman Khan In; No Place For Abdul Samad?

(Abdul Samad's poor record in T20 cricket)

• Although none of their batters, apart from Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman, breached the two-figure mark, Pakistan might consider dropping Abdul Samad and rearranging their batting order to improve their performance. 
• As evidenced by the above stats, Abdul Samad hasn't had a great T20 career so far. In last year's Champions T20 Cup, Samad recorded six single-digit scores, including three ducks, in nine outings. 
• So, if Pakistan decide to persist with Hasan Nawaz at the top order and bring Usman Khan back at 4, Samad might make room for the batter, with Irfan Khan Niazi getting demoted to his preferred number seven position. 

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2. Jahandad Khan To Make Room For Abbas Afridi?

(Comparison between Jahandad and Abbas Afridi in T20Is)

• Promising all-rounder Jahandad Khan was Pakistan's third-highest scorer in the first T20I, as he contributed 17 runs to the visitors' tally. However, the left-arm pacer has been nothing short of abysmal in his primary skill, which is bowling. In the first T20I, he was smacked all over the park, conceding 16 runs off his one over. 
• As evidenced by the above stats, Abbas Afridi has been a much better bowler than Jahandad Khan in T20Is. The 23-year-old can also hit a long ball, and he has a century to his name in List-A cricket. 
• So, the move of replacing Jahandad with Abbas has the potential to boost Pakistan's bowling unit without compromising their batting depth. 

3. Mohammad Ali Out, Haris Rauf Back?

• Unless Haris Rauf had some fitness issues, it made little sense from Pakistan's perspective to bring Mohammad Ali in place of him for the first T20I. The medium pacer seemed ineffective even with the new ball, going wicketless and conceding 25 runs off his three overs. 
• His overall T20 numbers are good, but Pakistan have a more lethal pacer in Shaheen Afridi to operate with the new ball. So, with a bunch of inexperienced players spearheading their batting unit, Pakistan ideally need a formidable bowling attack to compete with the home team. 
• In 16 T20Is against New Zealand, Rauf has bagged 32 wickets at a magnificent strike rate of 11.72. He has also been impressive in New Zealand, scalping 18 wickets in just 10 matches. 
• The last time these two teams faced each other in a T20I series in New Zealand, Rauf took seven wickets in four outings. So, if Pakistan wish to tweak their bowling unit a bit, Rauf might replace Mohammad Ali in the 2nd T20I. 

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