PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I: In what promises to be a really fascinating and entertaining encounter, Babar Azam led Pakistan are set to lock horns against Michael Bracewell’s New Zealand in the second T20i of the five match series at Rawalpindi’s Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The first T20i got washed out due to rain, but there’s no shortage of matches as four games are still left to be played in the series.
The Shaheens are not expected to make any changes in their playing 11 and they are expected to field the same team as the first game, featuring a mix of youngsters and experienced players.
The trio of Abrar Ahmed, Irfan Khan Niazi and Usman Khan made their T20 International debut in the previous game but, they didn’t get a chance to make their debuts memorable as rain washed out the first T20i.
Saim Ayub and Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam are anticipated to open the inning for the Men in Green and wicket keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan is likely to bat at number three.
The middle order will consist of the likes of Irfan Khan Niazi and Usman Khan, providing a blend of power hitting and stability in the team.
The duo of Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed will be handling the All – Rounder department of the Shaheens and both of them provide depth and versatility in both bowling and batting. Iftikhar is also someone who can play big shots at will and he will also play the role of the finisher for his side.
Talking about the bowling department, seamers Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be handling the fast bowling unit. Notably, Mohammad Amir is making his return to Pakistan’s Men’s National Cricket Team after a span of four years. Abar Ahmed on the other hand will also play a key role for the home side as he will be looking to trouble the Kiwi batters with his spin bowling variations.
The first T20 International game between the two teams was called off after just two balls due to constant rainfall in the city of Rawalpindi. With the weather forecast showing a decrease in the chances of rainfall ahead of the second T20 International, fans would be hoping to enjoy the full game without any interruption.
Pakistan’s likely playing 11 for the second T20I against New Zealand:
Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Amir.
Pakistan’s squad for the New Zealand series:
Babar Azam (Captain), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan (WK), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Fakhar Zaman, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Irfan Khan Niazi and Zaman Khan.
Reserves: Mohammad Ali, Haseebullah, Sahibzada Farhan, Agha Salman and Mohammad Wasim Jr
New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan schedule:
20th April: 2nd T20 International, Rawalpindi
21st April: 3rd T20 International, Rawalpindi
25th April: 4th T20 International, Lahore
27th April: 5th T20 International, Lahore
CHECK: New Zealand’s strongest playing11 against Pakistan in 2nd T20I