In preparation for the third T20 International against New Zealand in Dunedin, Pakistan has made three strategic changes to its lineup.
Mohammad Wasim Jr has stepped in for Abbas Afridi, who is sidelined due to a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain causing discomfort.
Usama Mir, with a challenging performance in the initial two games, securing only one wicket and maintaining an expensive economy rate of 11.25, has been replaced by Mohammad Nawaz.
Aamer Jamal, despite commendable performances in Test matches, has been omitted from the playing XI due to being the most expensive bowler for Pakistan in this series with an economy rate of 12.12. In his place, T20I specialist Zaman Khan has been included in the lineup.
The Pakistan playing XI for the third T20 International includes Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan, and Haris Rauf. New Zealand currently leads the series 2-0 after securing a 21-run victory in the second Twenty20 International.
The full squad comprises Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain and wicket-keeper), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan.
The upcoming matches in the series are scheduled as follows:
- 3rd T20 – 17 January 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin
- 4th T20 – 19 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 5th T20 – 21 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
