Abbas Afridi Ruled Out, Zaman Khan & Nawaz In; PAK's Probable Playing XI For 3rd T20I vs NZ
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Usama Mir (L) & Nawaz (PC - X.com)
In a surprising turn of events, Abbas Afridi, who claimed 2/43 during Pakistan’s second T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand in Hamilton, has been ruled out of the upcoming contest due to discomfort from a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain.
While Abbas' participation in the remainder of the series is still uncertain, the biggest question at this point is who will come in as his replacement when the Shaheen Afridi-led Men in Green return to action against New Zealand on Wednesday (January 17) at University Oval, Dunedin.
Quite a few exciting prospects are waiting on the wings, but among them, the one who should make the cut is none other than the 22-year-old Zaman Khan, who breathed fire for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) not too long ago in Australia.
Pakistan have faced numerous obstacles in the first two T20Is in New Zealand. And now, with the series on the line in this tie, they must make a few risky decisions. At this point, the biggest concern is the instability of the lower middle-order, which caused them to stumble from 159/4 to 180 all-out and from 105/3 to 125/6 in back-to-back fixtures.
Due to this sole reason, Mohammad Nawaz should return to the mix in place of Usama Mir. Mir’s performance with the ball in hand in the first two ties is quite wayward, and Nawaz’s presence will also provide Pakistan with a much-needed handy batsman lower in the order. Needless to say, Nawaz is an economical bowler as well, with an economy rate reading 7.32 after 57 T20Is.
Babar Azam performed admirably in both fixtures, although he failed to bring in the finishing touches. The likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub have blown hot and cold, yet all of them should retain their places.
Even Azam Khan and Aamer Jamal, who performed way below their lofty standards in the first two matches, are expected to keep their places. Jamal’s place was in danger, but Abbas’ surprising injury brought a blessing in disguise into his life.
Pakistan's Probable Playing XI for 3rd T20I vs New Zealand
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (C), Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
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