KARACHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam takes a shot against the pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi during a net-based practice session while Chief selector Shahid Afridi (L) looks on at the National Stadium on Sunday.–Tahir Jamal/White Star
KARACHI 5 test series in one go. Losses to three teams and wins in one. In addition to an abrupt shift in the governing cricket board. Pakistan has been through a lot over the past six weeks. However, in the final phase, they’re ready to return to their normal routine of One-day International cricket.
The Babar Azam-led team is set to begin this three-match match series with New Zealand — starting on Monday and being played entirely in the National Stadium — at the heels of eight consecutive wins and the possibility of being in the middle of the ICC World Cup Super League table after the cycle if they win 3-1.
Contrary to their performance during Tests in 2022 that resulted in them losing their match against Australia with a 1-0 score and being whitewashed by England 3-1 before drawing an 0-0 draw with New Zealand — Pakistan beat Australia by 2-1 and smashed clean sweeps of 3-0 on West Indies and Netherlands in one-day cricket.
In the ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in India in the next few months, Pakistan will look to continue to carry on its momentum into 2023.
On Sunday, BABAR Azam (L) and Kane Williamson of New Zealand posed with trophy for the One-Day International series. The White Star
On the day of the game, Babar said. “It’s World Cup year, and we start our preparations for the tournament with this series. “We are in good form in 50-over cricket and we want to ensure that we stretch it into 2023.”
In comparison to previous PCB administrations led by Ramiz Raja. Babar has seen a significant decline in his power over a selection from the year’s commencement.
Former head selector Mohammad Wasim was fired by the Najam Sethi-led temporary Management Committee before the board seized control. The new CEO moved quickly to make changes after replacing him with former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.
As the head selector, he made his first squad announcement. The 42-year-old replaced the all-rounder Shadab Khan, who Usama Mir did not cap, with a leg spinner.
Haris Sohail, a middle-order hitter, can now rejoin the Pakistani team thanks to Afridi. At the first chance in the past three years, Khushdil Shah and Haider Ali were dropped. Despite both players’ respectable efforts in prior games.
The batter who was not capped, Tayyab Tahir, is also named. Afridi appointed Shan Masood as vice-captain in an unexpected move. Despite the fact that the left-handed player’s final ODI of the 2019 campaign has already passed.
The former leg spinner was seen in charge of Pakistan’s practice. On Sunday, while conversing with the team’s coaches at the National Stadium. He may play a significant role in selecting the final XI to play the three ODIs.
Afridi stated that his selection panel “didn’t need to be on the same page” with the coach and captain. The statement hinted that there could be disagreements between the two groups.
During the press conference, Babar stated that it was crucial for him and coach to communicate effectively with selection committee.
It’s not all that unusual for Babar but. The addition of opening batter Fakhar Zaman after a protracted absence. Injury to the left-handed batsman will energize his team. When Haris Rauf returns from an injury he sustained while playing in the England Tests. Pakistan will also be able to rely on the right-arm pacer.
The wicketkeeper. Mohammad Rizwan is also slated to play for Pakistan in future after being restrained during two-match test match against Kiwis.
The series is expected to be competitive. It features New Zealand. Who finished second in the 2019 World Cup and went undefeated in all 16 of their ODI matches. This year while led by Captain Kane Willamson.
Regarding Pakistan, The BlackCaps have had success in 12 of their 15 one-day matches in the last 15. Williamson has chosen to relinquish his position as Test team captain. In order to focus on fifty-over cricket as the 2023 World Cup approaches. The legendary right-hander has acknowledged Pakistan’s strengths.
“Pakistan is a very strong side and naturally knows these conditions very well,” Williamson said. Williamson. As a team, we need to concentrate on the cricket we want to play and attempt deliver some better performances.
Pacer Matt Henry will be missed by New Zealand. He is rehabilitating after suffering an abdominal strain on the day the second Test was called a draw.
Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, and Adam Milne’s absence has already exhausted the visitors’ pace resources.
Teams (from):
NEW ZEALAND: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner
PAKISTAN: Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Agha Salman, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir