Pakistan Tour To New Zealand: Have a Look at the Team Selection
The impeccable test that lies ahead for the newly selected captain, Babar Azam and the head coach Misbah-ul-Haq
WEB DESK: Wearing green shirts, the Pakistani team also known as Shaheens are facing a downward spiral in recent times.
This abrupt dip in the team’s form was a result of mismanagement, favoritism, and change in captains as well as coaches.
As a result, Pakistan has diminished from being ranked number 1 to being ranked number 4 in T20Is.
Additionally, the defeat against Zimbabwe in the third ODI was their first in 10 ODIs starting from the memorable back to back wins in the ODI World Cup 2019,
which had given Pakistani fans a glimmer of hope of reaching the semi-finals.
The New Zealand tour is the true test of the Pakistani team’s strength as well as the impeccable test that lies ahead for the newly selected captain Babar Azam.
Pakistan’s Squad:
The Pakistan squad consists of 35 players for Test Matches and T20Is.
Pakistan name 35-player squad for New Zealand.#NZvPAK #HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/qnrt9bmrXI
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) November 11, 2020
Other than the termination of experienced team players: Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik and Asad Shafiq, the team selection proves to be adequate.
Inducing fresh legs such as Abdullah Shafiq, Rohail Nazeer, Danish Aziz, Nadeem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain will surely increase the strength and capacity of the Pakistan Cricket Team.
The return of Sarfaraz Ahmed can be deemed as a good move by Misbah-ul-Haq as Rizwan had exhibited a poor form in his batting as well as a decline in sharpness and agility between the wickets in contrast to his performance during the England tour.
Pakistan head coach and chief selector @captainmisbahpk press conference at the GSL.
Full Video: https://t.co/E9BVHqFmY2
Media Release: https://t.co/YcP6ptThfu#NZvPAK #HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/AnKI4MdjmU— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 11, 2020
Sarfaraz scored a century in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy which may have boosted his confidence.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the New Zealand tour with a fever.
Zaman failed to recover in time before the squad’s departure on Sunday, 22 November.
🇵🇰 ✈ 🇳🇿#HarHaalMainCricket #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/NUqmTb4gPK
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 23, 2020
The decision to keep him out was taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board “keeping the health of the rest of the squad members as a top priority.”
Ultimately, this has been the first selection by Misbah that can be viewed having positive prospects.
Moreover, making Babar Azam the captain of all three formats was also a good choice.
Look who is here at the Gaddafi Stadium, the home of Pakistan Cricket 👀#HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/VoBwAtFwcf
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 20, 2020
With the hope that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) does not turn him into a scapegoat and waste his potential as a world class batsman and captain.
Pakistan announced its tour to New Zealand in September this year.
The New Zealand bound squad participating in the Covid-19 protocols educational session, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq is briefing the players on the goals, targets and strategy for the tour.#HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/hTV6ABoc7X
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 22, 2020
The two teams will play three T20Is and two Tests from December 18 to January 7.
On their arrival, the team will enter a two-week quarantine period in Lincoln following the New Zealand government’s COVID-19 protocols.
