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Hasan Nawaz's replacement locked in as Agha Salman reveals key details on PAK XI vs ZIM

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan will face ZIM in match 1 of tri-series [Source: AFP]Pakistan will face ZIM in match 1 of tri-series [Source: AFP]

Pakistan captain Agha Salman emphasised backing youngsters and ensuring opportunities for everyone in the upcoming T20I tri-series at home. The skipper talked about the importance of giving ample game time to probable shortlisted candidates who will represent Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup. While he spoke about trying out Abdul Samad, the Pakistan skipper also stressed utilising multidimensional options in the T20I tri-series. 

Salman admits middle-order conundrum, backs Abdul Samad

In the pre-match press conference before the Tri-series opener between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, Agha Salman reckoned that the hosts certainly have an area of improvement in their middle order, which is still a work in progress. 

The experienced cricketer also rued Hasan Nawaz's poor form and subsequent ouster from the T20I setup. However, he backed Abdul Samad to fill his void and prove his mettle as a potent power-hitting option in the lower middle order. 

"In the middle order, we are not getting the performances we would like to get. Hasan Nawaz is not here [with the team], but I have faith that he will soon come back. In place of him, we have Abdul Samad, so perhaps we can give him the opportunity because he also bats at number six and can play the role of a finisher," Agha Salman said as quoted by Geo Super. 

Thus, Agha Salman's comments hinted at Samad's inclusion in Pakistan's playing XI for the opening fixture against the Chevrons. 

The skipper also seemed to be in favour of utilising the all-round expertise of Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf by including both in the XI. 

“When you have all-rounders who can bowl four overs, why not use them?," Salman added.

Pakistan will take on Zimbabwe in their first match of the competition before crossing swords with Sri Lanka on the 22nd of this month. Each team will play four group-stage games, with the top two sides qualifying for the final, scheduled on November 29.