Pakistan Squad For New Zealand ODI Series Announced

Pakistan have dropped a batsman, Ahmed Shehzad from the ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Shehzad played in the two ODIs of the home series against Sri Lanka but could just manage eight runs in the first two ODIs before being dropped from the side.

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A fit-again Moammed Amir and Azhar Ali have made a comeback to the side. Amir had missed the ODI series against Sri Lanka due to shin injury while Azhar was rested for the series.

Imad Wasim has also been ruled out for the tour due to a knee injury. Pakistan will already miss the services of Junaid Khan, who had been ruled out due to a stress fracture. Usman Khan was also ruled out of the team due to a back stress fracture.

“The team has been selected keeping in mind the conditions and the recent performances of some players in the domestic tournament. Azhar Ali makes a comeback to the ODI squad after being rested in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is making a comeback, having regained full fitness. Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the ODI squad due to a fracture in his right foot and doctors have advised him to rest for six weeks. Aamir Yamin comes in to replace the left arm pacer in the squad. Imad Wasim is again feeling discomfort in his knee, and has been told to work on his fitness in the NCA,” Inzamam-ul-Haq, the chief selector of Pakistan cricket team said.

Mohammad Hafeez, who was recently barred from bowling due to suspect action, has also been named in the team.

Pakistan team is all set to tour New Zealand for a five-match ODI and three-match T20I series. The five ODIs of the series will be played on January 6, 9, 13, 16 and 19. The three T20Is will be played on January 22, 25 and 28 in Wellington, Auckland and Mount Maunganui.

Pakistan would be looking to continue their current winning form. In their previous ODI series against Sri Lanka, the Sarfraz Ahmed led side whitewashed Sri Lanka in the five-match ODI series.

Talking of New Zealand, they are currently playing a limited overs series against Windies. They have already won the first two ODIs of three-match ODI series. They will also play three T20Is against the visitors.

Pakistan Squad for ODI series against New Zealand: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Rumman Raees.

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