Pakistan name Umar in T20 squad

ISLAMABAD: Left-handed batsman Umar Amin was named in the 15-member squad for the three Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand starting with the opening match on January 22.

Umar has been selected to strengthen Pakistan’s top-order that looked totally off colour in the first two One-Day Internationals against New Zealand.Chief selector Inzamamul Haq finalised the team in consultation with captain Sarfraz Ahmed and coach Mickey Arthur.

All-rounder Imad Wasim is still struggling with his knee problem and has been given more time to recover from the injury. Batsman Sohaib Maqsood, who has been in terrific form with the bat in domestic cricket, was not considered for selection due to a back injury.

“Imad was yet to recover from his knee injury and was told to continue his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. Mohammad Nawaz has replaced Imad. Sohaib was not selected due to back injury and he will undergo rehabilitation,” said Inzamam.

Azhar Ali and Imamul Haq, who have so far failed to contribute with the bat in the One-Dayers against New Zealand, were not included in the squad.AFP adds: Pakistan have recalled Ahmed Shehzad for the New Zealand series, but the selectors have ignored Kamran Akmal despite his recent form in domestic matches.

The 26-year-old Ahmed was dropped for the third and final Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka in Lahore late last November, but his recent form and youth helped him regain his place.But Kamran, 35, was not so lucky, despite being the highest run scorer in National Twenty20 with 432 runs last November.

He smashed a double century in a domestic One-Day Cup match last week.Pakistan are currently two down in the five-match ODI series in New Zealand, with the third match in Dunedin on Saturday.The first match is in Wellington on January 22, followed by Auckland on January 25 and Mount Maunganui on January 28.

T20 squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Muhammad Hafeez, Muhammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Amir Yamin, Muhammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees, Umar Amin.