For years, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were inseparable at the top of Pakistan’s T20I batting order, forming a highly successful partnership. However, as questions about strike rates and maximizing the powerplay emerged, the team management opted to experiment with their positions in the batting order. Despite this, the duo found their way back together. Now, with less than a year to go for the next T20 World Cup, both Babar and Rizwan are notably absent from the squad, signaling a major shift in Pakistan’s approach.
This change seems to be influenced by Pakistan’s inability to make a significant impact at their own Champions Trophy, despite it being an ODI event. As the T20 World Cup looms, Pakistan has opted for a more aggressive strategy at the top of the order. With Saim Ayub still unavailable, Pakistan’s new-look top three is likely to feature Mohammad Haris, Omair Yousuf, and the uncapped Hasan Nawaz — all known for their aggressive batting styles.
Salman Agha, the newly appointed T20I captain, has emphasized the need for a more fearless and high-risk approach, stressing that the squad consists of players who have successfully displayed this style of cricket in domestic competitions.
Pakistan’s new lineup will face a tough challenge in their opening series against a strong New Zealand side, despite the Kiwis missing several key players who are away on IPL duties. New Zealand boasts a formidable bowling attack, featuring Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy — all set to test Pakistan’s relatively inexperienced top order.
While New Zealand’s squad is missing some of its usual stars, including Michael Bracewell and other key batters, the return of Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Jimmy Neesham provides them with plenty of firepower. Daryl Mitchell remains an important figure, and with players like Mitchell Hay, Mark Chapman, and Tim Robinson, New Zealand will still feel confident on home soil, regardless of the absence of some key figures like Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, or Glenn Phillips.
Finn Allen, who played a key role in New Zealand’s victory against Pakistan in January 2024, has struggled since, failing to score above 50 in his last nine T20Is. However, his explosive batting remains a crucial asset, and after a lean run in the Big Bash League, Allen will be eager to rediscover his form, especially against Pakistan, a team he dominated just a year ago.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Haris, the most experienced player in the new top three, will be expected to take charge. Haris, whose last international appearance was in September 2023, will lead Pakistan’s aggressive new approach, while Omair Yousuf and Hasan Nawaz — both with limited T20I experience — will also have key roles to play.
Pakistan’s squad will also include the uncapped Abdul Samad, who has been selected despite lacking PSL experience. Shadab Khan returns to the squad, set to lead the spin attack alongside Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand’s squad will see the return of Jimmy Neesham, Tim Seifert, and Finn Allen, with Neesham and Allen likely to start. Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke are expected to lead the fast-bowling attack, with Jacob Duffy, who was New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in their recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, also a key figure.
New Zealand (Probable XI):
- Finn Allen
- Tim Robinson
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Hay (wk)
- Michael Bracewell (capt)
- Ben Sears
- Ish Sodhi
- Will O’Rourke
- Jacob Duffy
Pakistan (Probable XI):
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Omair Yousuf
- Hasan Nawaz
- Salman Agha (capt)
- Abdul Samad
- Irfan Khan
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
- Abbas Afridi
The match will take place at Hagley Oval, which will also host a women’s T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka earlier in the day. On average, teams score around eight runs per over at this venue. In the two T20Is between these sides last year, both were low-scoring affairs, with New Zealand chasing down 159 and subsequently bowling Pakistan out for just 92 in their defense of 138.
This series provides both teams with an opportunity to test their combinations and gain valuable insights ahead of the next T20 World Cup. For Pakistan, it’s a crucial test of their new approach, and for New Zealand, it offers a chance to solidify their World Cup preparations.
