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New Zealand is most likely to rest Kane Williamson, who, despite being available for selection, continues to be troubled by his knee concerns. Veteran bowler Tim Southee could also be rested from the XI, having featured in all matches, with Adam Milne replacing the ace player.
The batting remains a bit of a concern, with most runs coming from individual brilliance rather than collective effort. The likes of Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman will look to make amends for the failures in the first three matches.
Matt Henry, so far, seems to be the weakest link, leaking runs rather abundantly. The spinning duo of Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi have been able to bog down their opponents, whereas the others have chipped in with wickets.
Under new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Team Pakistan have looked erratic. The bowling seems to be going nowhere, with pacers making similar mistakes match after match. The batting remains heavily reliant on one man, and one man only in Babar Azam.
Azam, who has scored fifties in all three T20Is, has found no support from the other end, which has been the main cause of Pakistan's defeats. Veterans like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Iftikhar Ahmed need to stand up and ensure that they avoid a series of white-wash heading into the T20 World Cup 2024.
With few players out due to injury, Pakistan have backed their youngsters in Saim Ayub, and Azam Khan, who have succumbed under pressure.
When: January 19, 11:10 AM PST
Where: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Squads:
Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi(c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Sahibzada Farhan, Abbas Afridi, Haseebullah Khan
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson(c), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert(w), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Adam Milne,Ben Sears
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