PAK vs NZ: Sufiyan Muqeem to Mohammad Haris - Four Pakistan Players who must be handed a Chance in New Zealand Series

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Pakistan are set to resume their cricketing assignment after a dismal Champions Trophy 2025 performance as they take on New Zealand in a limited overs series.

After an early exit in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will now travel down under for the series against the Kiwis.

Amid this, there are reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will make some changes to the squad. The likes of Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan are set to be left out of the series, while Salman Ali Afgha may be handed captaincy opportunities.

Following their awful Champions Trophy outing, calls have been louder for an overhaul in the squad. Many pundits, ex-Pakistan players raised their voices against the selections and demanded radical changes in their setup. The upcoming series against the Blackcaps may hand opportunities to some of their fringe players and here is a look at 4 players who may get their chances.

Sufiyan Muqeem

The left-arm wrist spinner has shown impressive control in domestic circuits, offering crucial variations and the ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs. His knack for breaking partnerships could help stabilize an attack that has recently faced challenges. With conditions in New Zealand likely to favor spinners later in the innings, more exposure for Muqeem can sharpen his skills and add depth to Pakistan's bowling unit, ensuring a more balanced approach in future white-ball contests.

Mohammad Haris

A young and energetic batsman with a fearless approach, Mohammad Haris brings much-needed depth to the top order. Despite a modest international record so far, his domestic performances suggest great potential. His aggressive stroke play and willingness to take on challenging bowling make him a valuable asset, especially when the team needs to inject vitality into the innings.

Kamran Ghulam

Kamran Ghulam has already made a mark with a debut century and a maiden ODI hundred, proving his ability to anchor and stabilize the middle order. His adaptability across formats is vital on diverse pitches, and his consistent run-scoring can counteract sudden collapses. Ghulam's presence not only addresses current batting gaps but also builds lasting depth for future challenges. He was part of the CT 2025 squad but didn't get an opportunity.

Usama Mir

Usama Mir, a promising leg-spinner, offers an exciting new dimension to Pakistan's bowling attack. His ability to generate turn and variations can disrupt partnerships and keep scores in check during critical middle overs. Though still in the early stages of his international career, his domestic performances have hinted at significant match-winning potential.