Agha 'optimistic' as Pakistan gear up for New Zealand T20I series

CHRISTCHURCH: Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's T20 International (T20I) captain, has said that he is confident in his team's players and their performance as they seek redemption against New Zealand after being defeated by them multiple times recently.

The 31-year-old all-rounder, during a pre-series press conference on Sunday, acknowledged previous defeats but also expressed optimism as he highlighted his team's strengths.

"We didn't play up to our own standards or the expectations of our fans, which is why they are disappointed. But we have a new team, and that doesn't mean it's not a good team.

"There are experienced players in the squad as well, and we believe we have a strong combination to play good cricket and win," Salman stated.

His remarks come after the Black Caps trampled the Green Shirts in back-to-back tournaments, including the Tri-Nation Series and the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy — both times on home soil.

He acknowledged the importance of spinners despite the green pitch and provided updates on injured players Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub.

'The pitch looks green, but spinners will also get some assistance. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have performed well in T20 cricket, and we will miss Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who are key players. Thankfully, they are recovering quickly and should be back in action for the upcoming series," he said.

Additionally, he discussed the ongoing transition phase in Pakistan cricket, stressing the necessity of developing new combinations after years of dependence on stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

"Babar Azam and Rizwan have contributed a lot to Pakistan cricket, and now we are working on building a new combination. The playing XI has not been finalized yet, but we are confident in our squad and focused on delivering strong performances," he added.

It is pertinent to mention that the white-ball series between the Men in Green and the Blackcaps consists of five T20Is, followed by three One Day Internationals (ODIs), running until April 5.

The series also marks the debut of young talents Abdul Samad and Hassan Nawaz, who have earned their maiden call-ups to the national team.

The last T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand took place in April 2024, when the Blackcaps toured Pakistan. The five-match series ended in a 2-2 draw after the first game in Rawalpindi was washed out due to rain.

New Zealand T20I Squad:

Michael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

Pakistan T20I Squad:

Salman Ali Agha (capt), Shadab Khan (vice-capt), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan.

Schedule for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand

March 16 – First T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

March 18 – Second T20I, University Oval, Dunedin

March 21 – Third T20I, Eden Park, Auckland

March 23 – Fourth T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

March 26 – Fifth T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington

March 29 – First ODI, McLean Park, Napier

April 2 – Second ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton

April 5 – Third ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui