(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan have named their playing XI for the third T20I of the ongoing series against New Zealand, scheduled on January 17 at the University Oval, Dunedin.
Pakistan are trailing 0-2 in the series and the upcoming T20I is a must-win for them.
In a forced changed, Abbas Afridi, who has done well for Pakistan in the series, has been ruled out of the third T20I due an absolute wall muscle strain. Wasim Jr. replaces him in the line-up.
“Right-arm pacer Abbas Afridi has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand due to discomfort from a low grade abdominal wall muscle strain. His scan has shown no sign of significant injury, and he will be managed symptomatically,” the Pakistan Cricket Board shared.
Usama Mir, who has taken just one wicket in the two matches, is dropped. Mohammad Nawaz comes in his place.
Aamer Jamal, who was the find of the Australia tour, too has been excluded from the XI. He has claimed just a solitary wicket in the series while conceding runs at an economy-rate of 12.12. Zaman Khan has been added to fill in the spot.
In the previous fixture, Pakistan lost by 21 runs.
Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf