Changes on cards in Pakistan XI for fourth T20I

Injury-hit Pakistan are set to face New Zealand in the fourth T20I on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore with series is level at 1-1.

Pakistan star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is highly unlikely for the game after sustaining a hamstring injury in the third T20I which the hosts lost by seven wickets.

He is likely to be replaced by Fakhar Zaman, who hasn’t featured in the series yet. Usman Khan is likely to bat the number three slot in place of Rizwan.

Moreover, a scan will determine whether Rizwan can participate further in the series.

Moreover, Irfan Khan Niazi is likely to be rested as part of a rotation policy, allowing other players to participate and maintain a fresh lineup throughout the series.

The middle order will include all-rounders Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, while Usama Mir will replace Abrar Ahmed in the squad.

The team will be making several strategic changes to optimize performance, including resting Naseem Shah due to underwhelming performance in previous matches.

Lastly, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Abbas Afridi will make up the pace bowling attack.

Pakistan likely XI:

Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Usama Mir