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Pakistan announced an 18-member team for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Notably, the series that kicks off on November 19 just after the conclusion of T20 World Cup 2021 will have almost the same squad as in the ongoing mega event. What hogged limelight was the fact that Mohammad Hafeez, who is currently playing for Pakistan at the ongoing T20 World Cup, failed to find a spot. However, it has been revealed that the move has been taken to give younger batters an opportunity.
"The only change in the side that has qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 semifinals is of Mohammad Hafeez who, following discussions with Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim, has opted out so that younger batters can get opportunities to perform and gain international experience and exposure," said PCB in a release.
Here is Pakistan's squad for Bangladesh T20Is:
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shoaib Malik, Usman Qadir
It is worth noting that the team management that is currently in UAE with Babar Azam and company has been retained with just Matthew Hayden being the exception as he will not be available owing to "prior commitments".
The first T20I of the series will be played on November 18, while the second and third will be played on November 19 and 20. All the matches will be played at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. After this, the teams will play two Tests. The first match will be played from November 26-30 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram, before the two teams could return to Dhaka for the second game taking place from December 4 to 8. The squad for the same is yet to be announced though.
Pakistan enter semi-final of T20 World Cup 2021
The Men in Green ended the league stage at the top of the table to enter the semi-final of the ongoing world event. They started their campaign with impressive victories over India and New Zealand and then just outplayed Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland to keep their unbeaten streak in the tournament intact. They now face Australia in the second semi-final on Thursday.