Pakistan suffered a 1-4 loss in the 5-match T20I series on New Zealand soil. Shaheen Shah Afridi took over the charge as newly appointed captain. With the T20 World Cup 2024 slated to take place in the West Indies and the United States of America, Pakistan must not make many changes for the marquee event.
They included the likes of Saim Ayub which resulted in the demotion of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman as demotion in their batting orders. Zaman Khan and Aamer Jamal were included in the playing XI due to an injury to Naseem Shah. And, former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi added that, with the T20 World Cup approaching, the team should remain the same.
“There should not be many changes to the squad before the World Cup. However, it is important to know when to rest or play a certain player,” he told journalists. “[Mohammad] Hafeez has played a lot of cricket; he should be given more time [as team director],” Shahid Afridi stated. “If someone thinks that everything will change in one series, it is wrong thinking.”
Pakistan missed opportunities in Australia and New Zealand
Pakistan suffered a 0-3 whitewash in the Test series against Australia. During the 2nd innings, Shaheen Shah and Mir Hamza reduced Australia to 16 for 4 before Mitchell Marsh and Smith added 153 runs partnership that dented their chances of winning. Pakistan eventually lost the match by 79 runs despite Mohammed Rizwan and Salman Agha’s brilliant partnership in 2nd innings.
It was another disappointing outing in the 3rd Test match at Sydney. Pakistan took 14 runs lead as they bowled out Australia for 299. Pakistan suffered a collapse and lost the match by 8 wickets. They could not cope with the conditions in New Zealand losing the first four matches in the series before registering a consolation win with a disciplined bowling effort to bowl out New Zealand for 92.
Pakistan has been clubbed with India, Ireland, the United States of America, and Canada. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the Super 8 stage. They should not make changes that would hamper their chances in mega event. Pakistan reached the finals of the ICC T20 World Cup that took place in Australia in 2022 and hopes to go one step ahead to win the title for the second time.
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