Pakistan
Pakistan cricket team. Image Credit: Twitter.

After the COVID-19 results of their players turned out negative, Pakistan has announced an 18-men squad for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand which is scheduled from 18-22 December.

Notably, Pakistan has made only two changes in the squad that played against Zimbabwe in the home. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who last played the T20I against England in September this year, has been recalled while Hussain Talat, who last represented Pakistan in 2019, has reclaimed the spot. The latter has impressed with his performance in the recently concluded National T20 Cup.

Zafar Gohar and Rohail Nazir, who were in the squad for the home T20I series, have been dropped. And, Fakhar Zaman, who had played in all the three T20Is against Zimbabwe, missed the New Zealand tour after failing to recover in time due to high fever.

Pakistan’s head coach Misbah-ul-Haq wants the team to perform fearlessly:

Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, pakistan national cricket team,
Image Credit: Twitter.

The squad was finalised by head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam in consultation with Pakistan Shaheen’s coach Ijaz Ahmed, who also locked his 16-player squad for the four-day match against New Zealand ‘A’ to be played in Whangarei from December 17.

“For the T20Is, we have retained the squad that has been playing together for some time. The squad comprises young, talented and high-performing players, who are determined and eager to make names for themselves and further cement their places in the side,” Misbah said.

“New Zealand boasts some of the best cricket facilities, which are backed by supportive and appreciative crowds. I want my players to make optimum use of the upcoming opportunities by expressing themselves by playing fearlessly every time they take the field. All the players have our backing and support, and all they now need to show is how much believe, faith and trust they have in their own capabilities,” he added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam

Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Musa Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Qadir and Wahab Riaz.