PAK vs NZ: Pakistan name playing XI for Auckland T20I against New Zealand, Babar Azam slotted in at No.3

Pakistan have named their playing XI for the opening T20I against New Zealand to be played on Friday, January 12 at the Eden Park in Auckland.

Babar Azam would not be opening the batting as he has been slotted at No.3. Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub will open the batting for the Men in Green.

Fakhar Zaman has been put in at No.4 in the batting lineup. Earlier, the southpaw said that he was ready to be flexible as per the needs of the team.

“It’s not a sacrifice. It’s the call taken by the management, captain. They are playing me despite me not fitting in as an opener. But they are seeing the good in me that I can win matches for Pakistan even while batting in the lower order,” Fakhar said.

The middle-order also has Iftikhar Ahmed, who has been an effective all-rounder for Pakistan in limited-overs cricket. Azam Khan has returned and will keep wickets in place of Rizwan.

Usama Mir is the only specialist spin bowling option for the visiting team. Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf are the pace bowling options for Pakistan.

Abbas Afridi is making his international debut as Pakistan decided to leave out the likes of Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim Jr. Abbas was the leading wicket-taker in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023. Playing for Multan Sultans, the speedster picked up 23 wickets from 11 matches with two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul to his name.

Pakistan XI for 1st New Zealand T20I

Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf