Pak vs NZ: Usama Mir, Aamer Jamal out as Pakistan unveil playing XI for third T20I

Abbas Afridi has been ruled out due to a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain, says PCB

By Atiq ur Rehman

January 16, 2024

Pakistan players celebrate during a match — PCB/File

Pakistan on Wednesday unveiled playing 11 for the third T20I against New Zealand on Wednesday, excluding leg-spinner Usama Mir and all-rounder Aamer Jamal from the lineup.

Pacer Abbas Afridi has been ruled out due to a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain.

His exclusion would be a big loss to the team as Afridi was the leading wicket taker, 5, for the team along with Haris Rauf even though they have been in lost causes.

Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz and Zaman Khan have replaced the aforementioned trio for Pakistan.

Earlier today, the PCB said Abbas Afridi’s scan showed no sign of significant injury, and “he will be managed symptomatically”.

The cricket governing body said Abbas’ availability for the last two games will be made at a later stage.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 21 runs in the second Twenty20 international to take a 2-0 series lead.

The tourists threw away a strong position in their run chase after Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman scored half-centuries as they were dismissed for 173 in the final over, in response to New Zealand's 194-8.

Victory came at a cost for the Black Caps, whose captain Kane Williamson retired hurt with a hamstring injury while batting, placing him in doubt for the remainder of the five-match series.

The match bore similarities to New Zealand's 46-run win in the opening match in Auckland on Friday, with another aggressive batting approach led from the top by Finn Allen.

Pakistan's Playing XI:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain,), Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Muhammad Wasim Junior, Mohammad Nawaz and Zaman Khan.