Pakistan likely XI for first New Zealand T20I

Mohammad Amir is set to make comeback after four years, as Pakistan are set to face New Zealand in the five-match T20I from Thursday.

The first-three matches of the series will be played in Rawalpindi, while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host remaining two games.

The toss will take place at 6:30pm (PST), and the match will commence at 7:00 pm (PST).

Given the probability of rain impacting the match and the forecast of overcast conditions, Pakistan team management is expected to field a balanced side with a mix of experience and emerging talent.

The match will mark the return of both pacer Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim – the duo recently took retirement back after impressive HBL Pakistan Super League season nine.

The match will also mark the return of Babar Azam as captain.

One of the key decisions will be choosing between Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman to strengthen the batting lineup. Both players bring their own strengths to the table, adding depth to the batting order.

Moreover, Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to be rested for the first two games in order to manage his work load.

Pakistan likely XI:

Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Usman Khan/Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Zaman Khan, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Amir.