Pakistan’s Strongest Squad for New Zealand T20Is: Major Changes Expected
Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series starting this month. After a disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, the team is expected to make major changes. Reports suggest that Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf might be dropped, while Shadab Khan could return to the squad.
- Saim Ayub is injured and might miss the series.
- Babar Azam and Naseem Shah are expected to be dropped.
- Shadab Khan and Mohammad Haris could return.
- Wasim Jr and Mohammad Imran may strengthen the bowling attack.
No Saim Ayub; Omair Yousuf as a Possible Replacement
Saim Ayub is recovering from an ankle injury and is unlikely to participate. As a replacement, Omair Yousuf is a strong contender.
Top candidates to replace Saim Ayub:
| Batter | Runs | Average/SR |
|---|---|---|
| Omair Yousuf | 1034 | 33.03/131.45 |
| Sahibzada Farhans | 2530 | 29.41/127.32 |
| Haseebullah | 517 | 20.68/122.80 |
Mohammad Haris at No.3? Babar Azam Dropped?
Babar Azam’s strike rate in powerplay has been a concern. Pakistan might bring in Mohammad Haris to ensure a more aggressive start.
Comparison of Powerplay Strike Rates:
| Criterion | Runs | SR |
|---|---|---|
| Babar in PP since 2022 | 1608 | 125.23 |
| Haris in PP since 2022 | 796 | 145.25 |
Khushdil Shah In, Tayyab Tahir Out
Tayyab Tahir struggled in the Champions Trophy, making way for Khushdil Shah.
Recent Performance:
| Criterion | Runs | Average/SR |
|---|---|---|
| Tayyab in T20I | 123 | 20.5/118.3 |
| Khushdil In Champions Trophy | 107 | 53.50/121.59 |
Shadab Khan Returns, Agha Salman Struggles
Agha Salman has been ineffective in T20Is, making Shadab Khan the preferred all-rounder.
T20I Performance:
| Criterion | Runs/SR | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Salman In T20 | 50/79.32 | 2 |
| Shadab In T20 | 679/139.71 | 107 |
Bowling Attack Revamp: Naseem, Rauf, Hasnain Dropped?
Pakistan might opt for a fresh bowling attack, bringing in Mohammad Wasim Jr and Mohammad Imran.
Bowling Stats:
| Criterion | Matches/Wickets | Average/SR |
|---|---|---|
| Wasim Jr In T20 | 29/36 | 20.9/15.4 |
| Imran in T20 | 58/73 | 23.10/16.6 |
Pakistan’s Strongest Squad for New Zealand T20Is
Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c/WK), Mohammad Haris, Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Aamir Jamal/Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Imran, Sufiyan Muqeem.