Picture Credit: X
Pakistan on Tuesday, January 16th announced their Playing XI for the third T20I against New Zealand, scheduled to be played at the University Oval in Dunedin on Wednesday, January 17th. However, the visitors currently trail the series 0-2, losing the first two T20Is by 46 and 21 runs respectively.
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However, the Men in in Green have already named their XI for the third T20I, Pakistan fast bowler Abbas Afridi has been sidelined due to a muscle strain. The young pacer has reportedly developed discomfort from a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain, and has thus been ruled out.
“Right-arm pacer Abbas Afridi has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand due to discomfort from a low grade abdominal wall muscle strain. His scan has shown no sign of significant injury, and he will be managed symptomatically,” the PCB said. Apart from this change, the side has included Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Zaman Khan as the three noticeable changes to their XI from the second T20I.
Pakistan’s Playing XI versus New Zealand in 3rd T20I:
Mohammad Rizwan (vc), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
Kane Williamson ruled out of T20I series
Speaking of New Zealand, their skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series. The Kiwi batter suffered minor hamstring strain during the second T20I and was forced to retire hurt with Daryl Mitchell replacing him in the middle.
“Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the remainder of the KFC T20I Series against Pakistan after a scan confirmed he suffered a minor hamstring strain while batting in Sunday’s T20I at Seddon Park,” the BlackCaps wrote on X.
With Williamson’s return still being establish, Will Young will continue to stay with the side for the remainder of the series, the BlackCaps confirmed.