The first #PAKvsNZ T20 is scheduled to be played in Auckland on Friday and so, here is a look at Pakistan’s likely playing XI for the inaugural game of the five-match series which is also the first of Shaheen Afridi as Pakistan’s T20 captain.
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#PAKvsNZ: Babar Azam Likely To Bat At Number 3 In Auckland
Pakistan are expected to experiment and allow Siam Ayub an opportunity to open the innings alongside wicket-keeper batter and vice-captain, Mohd. Rizwan. Former captain Babar Azam then is likely to bat at the number three position while Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed as expected to follow next.
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All-rounders
Mohd. Nawaz and Amir Jamal are expected to play in Auckland as Pakistan’s spin and fast bowling all-rounders respectively. Usama Mir however, might play ahead of Nawaz in case Pakistan decide to opt for a specialist spinner.Â
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Fast Bowlers
Skipper Shaheen Afridi is expected to be accompanied by Haris Rauf and Mohd. Wasim during the match. Nevertheless, Pakistan might as well play Zaman Khan ahead of Haris Rauf or Mohd. Wasim in case they intend to experiment prior to the ICC T20 world cup which is scheduled to be played later in the year.Â
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