PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: A second or third-string New Zealand Team is having a good time in Pakistan as they are 1-2 ahead of the home team Pakistan after the 4th T20I. Pakistan need to find a perfect balance in their Playing 11 to save the series and make it a level. Here are the 2 possible changes Pakistan might make for the PAK vs NZ 5th T20I.
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A Do-or-Die match for Pakistan is coming up next as the visitors New Zealand have made their grip tight in the series after two straight victories. After a humiliating performance in the second T20I, which they eventually lost, New Zealand outclassed Pakistan in the next two matches.
There are regular changes in Pakistan Playing 11 which reflects a sense of insecurity in the player’s mind. Some of these changes were forced due to injuries but consistency in the playing 11 is the first basis for better team performance. They needed more backup in batting and definitely needed a check on the bowling unit.
On asking for that many changes in the playing 11, Babar replied “Our plan was to test our bench strength and we tried out different combinations. We are trying something new and different in every game.” He is hopeful for a settled and balanced playing 11 combinations before the T20 World Cup 2024.
With the last match left in the series, Pakistan need to find a better combination to at least level the series or they are almost heading to a 1-3 series loss the inexperienced New Zealand side which they were criticizing earlier.
Below are the Full Squads, and possible Changes Pakistan might make of PAK vs NZ 5th T20I:
PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: 2 Changes Pakistan might make
Naseem Shah IN for Zaman Khan?
Pakistan have produced a right-arm sling-shot bowler who can bowl over 150 regularly but speed was never the issue for Pakistan, what they lacked was control and he went pretty expensive on that. Naseem Shah, who was rested in the 4th T20I is now expected to return to reinforce Pakistan’s bowling.
Shaheen Shah IN for Usama Mir?
Pakistan have given a chance to Imad Wasim and his good performance in powerplay overs with the ball and bat fluently later in the innings are good signs for Pakistan. He with Shadab Khan would be a good combination and press more on the fast bowling department. Benching Usama Mir and calling back Shaheen Shah might be a better decision of Pakistan at this stage.
PAK vs NZ 5th T20I Full Squad
PAKISTAN Squad: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan(w), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Usama Mir, Azam Khan, Zaman Khan
NEW ZEALAND Squad: Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert(w), Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell(c), Cole McConchie, Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke, Tom Blundell, Josh Clarkson, Ben Sears, Ben Lister
PAK vs NZ 5th T20I Probable Playing 11s
Pakistan’s Probable Playing 11: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah
New Zealand’s Probable Playing 11: Tim Robinson, Tom Blundell(w), Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell(c), Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William ORourke
READ: Pakistan Skipper Announced Retirement From Cricket With Immediate Effect
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