T20I series against Kiwis: Three changes made to Pakistan cricket team
Cricket
The PCB announced that Usama and Aamer have been dropped while Abbas was ruled out with injury
(Web Desk) – Pakistan have made three changes to the line-up for the third Twenty20 International against New Zealand which will be played in Dunedin on Wednesday (tomorrow).
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday that Usama Mir and Aamer Jamal have been dropped while Abbas Afridi was ruled out due to an injury.
The trio will be replaced by Muhammad Wasim Junior, Muhammad Nawaz and Zaman Khan.
Pakistan's playing XI for the third T20I #NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/eMkUcP1l1L
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 16, 2024
The PCB said Abbas scan showed “no sign of significant injury”, and “he will be managed symptomatically”. However, his availability for the last two games will be made at a later stage.
Abbas exclusion is a big blow to the team as he was the leading wicket taker in the series.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have taken 2-0 lead in the five-match series by winning second T20I by 21 runs and first by 46 runs.
THE SQUAD
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Muhammad Rizwan (vice-captain,), Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Muhammad Wasim Junior, Muhammad Nawaz and Zaman Khan.