The Pakistan national cricket team is gearing up for an exciting tour of New Zealand, where they will compete in a five-match T20 International (T20I) series followed by a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. The highly anticipated series will kick off on March 16, 2025, in Christchurch.
Pakistan Squad Departs for New Zealand
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the national squad has departed from Lahore and is set to arrive in New Zealand via Dubai. This tour marks a significant opportunity for both experienced players and fresh talents to prove their mettle on foreign soil.
T20 Series Schedule
The T20 series is scheduled to commence on March 16, with all matches taking place in New Zealand. The series will serve as crucial preparation for upcoming global T20 competitions and will test the team’s depth and strategy.
Pakistan’s 16-Member T20 Squad
The PCB has announced a 16-member squad for the T20 series, which includes a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. The squad is as follows:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain)
- Abbas Afridi
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Hassan Nawaz
- Irfan Khan Niazi
- Jehandad Khan
- Khushdil Shah
- Muhammad Ali
- Muhammad Haris
- Umair Bin Yousuf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufyan Muqim
- Usman Khan
Notably, Abdul Samad and Hassan Nawaz have received their maiden call-ups to the national squad. Their selection underscores Pakistan’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building a strong team for future international tournaments.
Shadab Khan on the Team’s Prospects
Vice-captain Shadab Khan expressed optimism about the upcoming series, stating, I have been entrusted with a new responsibility, and I will strive to deliver my best. The team is packed with young and energetic players, and I have high hopes for those making their debut. Hopefully, we will achieve great success.
A Crucial Tour for Pakistan Cricket
The series against New Zealand is expected to be a competitive one, as the Kiwis have always been a formidable opponent on their home ground. With several new players in the squad, Pakistan will be looking to strike a balance between youth and experience to secure crucial victories.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the action-packed matches, and Pakistan’s performance in this series will set the tone for their upcoming international commitments.
Stay tuned for match updates, player performances, and expert analysis as Pakistan takes on New Zealand in what promises to be an electrifying series!
