LAHORE – The selectors are expected to opt for an 18-member squad for the series, aiming to provide ample opportunities for players to gain match experience ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The recent returnees from international retirement, left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, are likely to receive significant playing time to regain match fitness required for international cricket.
Haris Rauf is still recovering from injuries sustained during the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), while Fakhar Zaman’s inclusion remains uncertain due to his ongoing battle to regain fitness after an injury during the recent PSL season.
Usman Khan is a probable inclusion in the squad and is expected to bat at the number four spot in the playing XI against New Zealand. Naqvi stated, “Usman Khan is definitely being considered for the squad.”
Certain players like Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah are confirmed to be part of the squad.
Besides it, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan, and Abbas Afridi are also being considered for inclusion in the 18-member contingent.
Either Abrar Ahmed or Usama Mir will be selected in the squad for the series.
The New Zealand team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 14th for the five-match T20 series, beginning on April 18th, with three matches slated in Pindi and the remaining two in Lahore.
New Zealand squad: Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi
