The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation as PCB announces Pakistan squad for the highly anticipated ODI and T20 series against New Zealand. This series, a crucial stepping stone in Pakistan’s preparation for upcoming major tournaments, promises to be a thrilling contest between two formidable sides. The selection committee has opted for a blend of experienced stalwarts and promising new talents, aiming to strike a balance between stability and innovation.
The Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for an exciting white-ball tour of New Zealand, set to play a riveting series of 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is in January 2024. This series holds significant importance as Pakistan fine-tunes its combinations ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup and continues rebuilding its ODI strategy post the 2023 World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a dynamic squad blending seasoned campaigners with fresh faces, signaling a focus on youth and experimentation. In this article, we dissect the squad composition, analyze new selections, and evaluate Pakistan’s prospects against a formidable New Zealand side.
The PCB’s selection committee, led by Chief Selector Wahab Riaz, unveiled separate squads for the ODI and T20I legs. While the T20 Pakistan squad emphasizes agility and power-hitting, the ODI group balances experience with emerging talent.
Pakistan ODI and T20 Squad
Key Inclusions and Exclusions
T20I Pakistan Squad: Hasan Nawaz, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad, Salman Agha (capt), Irfan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyaan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan
ODI Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Salman Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Irfan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.
ODI Pakistan Squad Analysis
15-member ODI Pakistan squad combines stability and innovation. With Babar Azam anchoring the batting, the team aims to address middle-order inconsistencies exposed during the 2023 World Cup.
Batting Core
- Babar Azam: The linchpin, averaging 58.16 in ODIs.
- Mohammad Rizwan: The wicketkeeper-batter, crucial for his finishing prowess.
- Muhammad Haris: The explosive opener, known for match-winning centuries.
Bowling Attack
- Shaheen Afridi: Leading the pace battery with Naseem Shah’s return.
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.: A rising star in death bowling.
- Abrar Ahmed: The mystery spinner adds variety.
New Face: Mohammad Abbas Afridi
A 22-year-old fast bowler from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Abbas impressed in the Pakistan Cup 2023 with 14 wickets at an economy of 4.8. His ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a promising addition.
T20 Pakistan Squad Breakdown
The T20I Pakistan squad features audacious selections, prioritizing firepower for the World Cup. Shaheen Afridi’s aggressive captaincy style aligns with the team’s emphasis on fearless cricket.
Power-Hitters and All-Rounders
- Abdul Samad: Young opener with a strike rate of 150+ in PSL.
- Omair Yousuf: Hard-hitting batter, averaging 32.5 in T20s.
- Shadab Khan: Vice-captain and spin all-rounder.
New Faces in T20Is
- Irfan Khan Niazi (21, All-Rounder):
- Bio: A product of Lahore’s grassroots, Irfan debuted in the National T20 Cup with 287 runs and 9 wickets in 2023. His medium pace and lower-order hitting offer balance.
- Stats: T20 Avg: 29.4 | Bat SR: 138.6 | Econ: 7.2
- Usman Khan (28, Batsman):
- Bio: Dubai-born Usman grabbed headlines in the PSL 2024 with a 55-ball 100 for Multan Sultans. His adaptability to anchor or accelerate makes him a wildcard.
- Stats: T20 Avg: 39.2 | SR: 144.8 | HS: 120*
Key Players to Watch
- Babar Azam (ODI Captain):
- Role: Stabilize the innings and convert starts.
- 2023 ODI Stats: 857 runs @ 61.21.
- Shaheen Afridi (T20 Captain):
- Role: Early breakthroughs and death-overs mastery.
- 2023 T20 Stats: 22 wickets @ 18.3.
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper):
- Role: Bridge middle-order gaps with calculated aggression.
Spotlight on Newly Selected Players
The inclusion of new players in the Pakistan squad signifies PCB’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building a strong pipeline for the future. Here’s a closer look at some of the newly selected players:
1. Syed Mohammad Abdul Samad (T20)
- Age: 27
- Role: Right-handed Batsman
- Domestic Team: Pakistan International Airlines
- Stats:
- T20 Runs: 984 in 17 matches
- HS: 130* | SR: 146.8
2. Irfan Khan Niazi (T20I)
- Age: 21
- Role: All-rounder (Right-arm medium, Right-hand bat)
- Domestic Team: Lahore Blues
- Bio: A street-smart cricketer, Irfan’s rise from tape-ball tournaments to first-class cricket epitomizes resilience.
- Stats:
- T20 Runs: 487 in 18 innings
- T20 Wickets: 14 | Econ: 7.5
3. Usman Khan (T20I)
- Age: 28
- Role: Top-order batsman
- Domestic Team: Multan Sultans (PSL)
- Bio: After relocating to Pakistan in 2022, Usman’s PSL heroics earned him a national call-up. His technique against pace is a standout trait.
- Stats:
- T20 Runs: 1,243 in 42 matches
- HS: 120* | SR: 144.8
Leadership Analysis: Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain):
- T20I Record: 124 runs @ 20.6 | Strike Rate: 128.3
- Role: The 30-year-old all-rounder, known for his calm demeanor, was a surprise pick for captaincy. His leadership experience includes captaining Southern Punjab in domestic tournaments.
- Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain):
- T20I Record: 251 wickets @ 21.4 | Econ: 7.2
- Role: Returns to leadership after being sidelined post-2023 World Cup. His form with both bat and ball will be critical.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Conditions: New Zealand’s seaming tracks will test Pakistan’s batters.
- Spin Dependency: Over-reliance on Shadab and Abrar in middle overs.
- Youth vs Experience: Balancing rookies like Irfan with stalwarts like Babar.
Expectations for the Series
While New Zealand starts as favorites at home, Pakistan’s fearless T20 lineup could spring surprises. The ODIs will gauge Babar’s leadership resurgence, while the T20s serve as a World Cup audition for newcomers.
