Pakistan can make several changes in the playing XI for the 4th T20I against New Zealand in Lahore.
Currently, the series is level with each team winning one T20. Also, the first T20 was washed out due to rain after only two balls bowled.
The Second T20 of this series was won by Pakistan as they showed brilliant performance with the bowling and restricted New Zealand below 100 scores.
| Team | Total Runs | Overs | Wickets | Top Scorer | Runs | Balls | Best Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 90 | 18.1 | 10 | Mark Chapman | 19 | 16 | Shaheen Afridi | 3.1 | 13 | 3 |
| Pakistan | 92/3 | 12.1 | 3 | Mohammad Rizwan | 45* | 34 | Shaheen Afridi | 3.1 | 13 | 3 |
The third T20 was won by New Zealand by chasing the target of 179 set by Pakistan after the brilliant performance of Mark Chapman with the bat.
| Pakistan | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Total Runs: 178/4 | Total Runs: 179/3 |
| Overs: 20 | Overs: 18.2 |
| Wickets: 4 | Wickets: 3 |
| Top Scorer: Shadab Khan (41 runs) | Top Scorer: Mark Chapman (87* runs) |
| Best Bowler: Ish Sodhi (2/25 in 4 overs) | Best Bowler: Abbas Afridi (2/27 in 3 overs) |
The fourth T20 will be a decider as both aiming for a series win.
Pakistan team can make changes as Rizwan was injured in the last T20.
Pakistan’s likely XI could look like this,
- Captaincy by Babar Azam: Babar Azam will lead the team and likely open the batting with Saim Ayub.
- Usman Khan in for Mohammad Rizwan: Usman Khan will take over wicketkeeping duties due to Mohammad Rizwan’s injury. Rizwan missed training, and a scan will determine if he can continue playing.
- Inclusion of Fakhar Zaman and Imad Wasim: Fakhar Zaman and Imad Wasim will play their first matches in the series, adding strength to Pakistan’s batting and bowling.
- Rest for Irfan Khan Niazi: Irfan Khan Niazi will be rested as part of a rotation plan to keep players fresh.
- Middle order setup: The middle order will feature all-rounders Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, offering a mix of batting and bowling skills.
- Replacement of Usama Mir: Usama Mir will replace Abrar Ahmed, possibly to adjust to match conditions or opposition strategies.
- Fast Bowlers: Also they can give rest to Naseem Shah and include Muhammad Amir in place of him.
This series is important for both teams as both teams are preparing for the T20 World Cup in June.
Pakistan also makes changes in its XI as they are preparing for the T20 World Cup and want to give a chance to every player to make a better combination for the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan likely XI:
Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Amir.
Pakistan Full Squad:
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan
Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr