Usman Khan Included; Shaheen Afridi Dropped? Pakistan's Strongest XI For 3rd T20I vs NZ

Usman Khan should play; Will Shaheen be dropped? [Source: @TukTuk_Academy, @TheRealPCB/X]

This morning, Pakistan succumbed to another defeat, as New Zealand crushed them by five wickets at University Oval in Dunedin. Batting first, Pakistan posted 135 runs, which the BlackCaps chased in 13.1 overs, going 2-0 up in the series. 

As Pakistan have lost two consecutive matches, the third T20I in Auckland is a must-win affair for them. As they gear up for the fascinating clash, here's an in-depth analysis to find their most potent combination for this game. 

Omair Yousuf Should Replace Hasan Nawaz

Pakistan's young opener Hasan Nawaz is suffering from poor form. He has recorded two consecutive ducks, which might prompt the visitors to replace him with Omair Yousuf, who is technically superior than him. 

(A comparison between Omair Yousuf and Hasan Nawaz in T20s)

As evidenced by the above stats, Omair has been much more impressive than Nawaz in T20 cricket. He can counter the New Zealand pacers with his stoic technique, which in turn will allow Mohammad Haris to play his natural game. 

Usman Khan At 3; Should Salman Agha Demote Himself?

(Stats of Usman and Salman at 3 and 4 in T20s)

Pakistan's newly appointed T20I captain Salman Ali Agha played a magnificent knock in the second T20I, as he struck a blistering 46-run knock. 

However, considering the poor returns of Abdul Samad and Irfan Khan Niazi, Pakistan should consider replacing one of them with Usman Khan, who has excellent numbers at 3 in T20s. 

As shown in the above table, Usman has sublime numbers at number 3 and it will be beneficial for Pakistan if Salman demotes himself to accommodate the dynamic batter. Salman has decent T20 numbers at 4, and he can adjust to the demands of the game. 

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Should Pakistan Drop Shaheen Afridi?

(Shaheen Afridi's numbers in NZ T20Is)

Ace speedster Shaheen Afridi has failed to live up to the expectations in the New Zealand T20Is. In two matches, Shaheen has gone wicketless while conceding 48 runs in five overs at a horrendous economy of 9.60. Tim Seifert toyed with the experienced seamer, smashing him for four huge sixes in the second T20I. 

So, Pakistan must be concerned by Shaheen's rough patch ahead of the must-win game at Eden Park. However, considering they don't have a quality backup for him, the visitors should persist with the left-arm seamer for this game. 

Jahandad, Mohammad Ali Out, Abbas, Abrar In?

However, Jahandad Khan (1 wicket in 2 innings, economy 18) and Mohammad Ali (1 wicket in 2 innings, economy 11.80) should be excluded from the XI due to consecutive bowling failures. Abbas Afridi is the frontrunner to replace Jahandad, while Abrar Ahmed might be recalled in place of Mohammad Ali. 

Pakistan's Strongest Playing XI For 3rd T20I vs NZ

Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris (WK), Usman Khan, Agha Salman (C), Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad/Irfan Khan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

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