PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam And Mohammad Rizwan To Be Benched In New Zealand Series? Fakhar Zaman Reveals Pakistan's Strategy

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has backed the idea of resting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in T20Is ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are two crucial members of Pakistan in the shortest format.

Both batters have handled the opening slot for Pakistan in T20Is for the last few years. They have also done a marvelous job in the top order, leading the team to many victories. However, many youngsters have shown good form in the top order in recent times.

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Watch – Babar Azam Hits Saeed Ajmal In Nets; Video Goes Viral

Now, Pakistan is set to enter a new phase in T20Is under newly-appointed skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi. Babar Azam quit the captaincy post-ICC ODI World Cup 2023 last year. Afridi has been nominated as the new skipper of the side.

Afridi will take the reins of the T20I team in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Pakistan is set to face Kiwis in 5 T20I matches during their tour of New Zealand. The series will also begin Pakistan’s preparation for ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Fakhar Zaman Reveals His Batting Position In New Zealand T20Is

Fakhar Azam Backs Idea To Rest Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan In T20Is

Like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman is another senior member of the Pakistan team who is a regular member across all three formats. While speaking in a press conference ahead of the New Zealand series, Zaman backed the idea of resting Azam and Rizwan in T20Is. Fakhar Zaman feels that it will help the management to find future back-up players for both players.

“Yes. It should be given. First and foremost, no one can replace Babar Azam in T20Is but his backup can be created in the next 2-3 years. But if you give rest to a player, his backup can be created”.

“Hence, rest can be given to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to create backup players for World Cup”, the left-handed batsman said in the video. Have a look at the video below.

"Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan could be rested in T20I matches to come" – Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar suggests it won't be a bad move to rest Babar and Rizwan in T20I matches as Pakistan have other options to check before T20 World Cup. Do you agree with him? ? #NZvsPAK pic.twitter.com/G68cTP3wBa

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 10, 2024

Pakistan vs New Zealand T20Is To Begin On January 12

Meanwhile, Pakistan and New Zealand are set to clash with each other in a T20I series. The PAK vs NZ series will observe five encounters. The opening match takes place in Auckland on January 12. The final encounter will be played on January 21.

The series comprises only the T20I series. Post the series, Pakistan players will be busy with PSL 2024 from February to March. Later, they will tour England for a T20I series in May 2024.

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: PCB To Demote Babar Azam In T20Is; Mohammad Rizwan Battles To Retain Spot – Reports

Recently, Pakistan faced a humiliating whitewash against Australia in the Test series. Pakistan lost all three games against Australia to face a huge setback during the tour. Pakistan lost the opening match by 360 runs. Later, they lost the 2nd Test by 79 runs and the 3rd Test by 8 wickets.