Pakistan vs New Zealand T20Is: Pakistan announce squad as new names selected

Pakistan Cricket Board has curated a 17-player contingent for their upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, which starts from January 12.

Emerging as a potent force in the bowling department, Mohammad Abbas Afridi has secured his place in the squad through consistently impressive performances. Representing Peshawar, his prowess peaked during the National T20 Cup, where he clinched 14 wickets across nine games, boasting an impressive average of 16.43.

Meanwhile, Usama Mir's leg-spinning expertise has not gone unnoticed, with the young talent receiving his inaugural T20I call-up, complementing his ODI debut earlier in the year. His participation in 12 T20 games underscores his growing experience and potential in the format.

The squad's batting arsenal is bolstered by the addition of Haseebullah, who has got his maiden national team call-up. Graced with the title 'Player of the Tournament' during the Pakistan Cup, his tally of 326 runs, two centuries, a half-century, and 10 dismissals behind the stumps, Haseebullah can be a big asset for Pakistan.

"Naseem Shah, Ihsanullah and Shadab Khan will not be part of the squad due to injuries. Shan Masood, Mohammad Haris and Faheem Ashraf, who were part of Pakistan's squad during the last bilateral series, miss out on the tour," a statement from PCB read.

Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I Series Schedule

1st T20I - Auckland (Jan 12)

2nd T20I - Hamilton (Jan 14)

3rd T20I - Dunedin (Jan 17)

4th T20I - Christchurch (Jan 19)

5th T20I - Christchurch (Jan 21)

Pakistan T20I Squad vs New Zealand

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (2k), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan.