Why Is Shaheen Afridi Not Playing In PAK Vs NZ 5th T20I?

Why was Shaheen dropped? [Source: @Rnawaz31888/X.com]

The stage is set for the fifth T20I of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand and as expected, the Pakistan side have made a huge call at the toss. The home side won the toss and elected to bowl first, which was not a surprisimg call. However, what raised the eyebrows was the selection call by Pakistan team.

At the toss time, Agha Salman announced the playing XI and there was no mention of Shaheen Afridi as the pacer was dropped from the final T20I game of the series.

Why was Shaheen Afridi dropped?

The old Shaheen is lost and the new one doesn't have the wicket-taking abilities. Shaheen had a poor Champions Trophy where he only took 2 wickets in the tournament. However, he was given a chance to redeem himself in the T20Is against New Zealand, but he failed once again.

In the 4 matches played so far, he has only taken 2 wickets, and has an economy of almost 11 runs per over. While on one end, Haris Rauf was taking wickets for fun, Shaheen, on the other hand released the pressure as the Kiwi batters easily targeted him as he was the weak link in the squad. He lacked the pace and the cutting-edge to trouble the Kiwis and made life easier for them.

Hence, with nothing to lose, Pakistan made a huge call by dropping Shaheen Afridi for the fifth T20I.

Pakistan have also made wholesome changes with Abrar Ahmed also getting dropped and Sufiyan Muqeem getting a chance.

Pakistan playing XI Vs New Zealand

Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Agha Salman (c), Usman Khan, Shadab Khan (vc), Muhammad Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali

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