Pakistan’s new T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, leads a young squad on a tour of New Zealand, consisting of five T20Is and three ODIs, following a poor outing in the Champions Trophy 2025. Injuries to key players result in the inclusion of three uncapped players, with high hopes for showcasing domestic talents. Agha expresses confidence for improved performance against New Zealand, as the teams prepare for an exciting series ahead.
Following a lackluster performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan is set to embark on a white-ball tour to New Zealand, comprising five T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals. In anticipation of the upcoming T20 World Cup next year and the Asia Cup later this year, the squad will be led by the newly appointed captain, Salman Ali Agha, consisting primarily of youthful players.
Due to injuries, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman will be unavailable for selection. However, the team welcomes three uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional ability in recent domestic competitions. Reflecting on the youthful composition of the team, Agha remarked that this presents a valuable chance for these emerging talents to demonstrate their skills on an international platform after noteworthy performances at the domestic level.
Expressing optimism regarding the upcoming matches, Agha noted the positive preparations the team is undergoing, stating the objective of achieving improved results during the New Zealand tour. Historically, in the 44 T20I encounters between the two nations, Pakistan leads with 23 victories, while New Zealand has secured 19. Their previous face-off in a T20I series took place in 2024, concluding in a draw at 2-2.
The T20I squad includes: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan, 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, and Usman Khan. The ODI squad, led by Mohammad Rizwan, consists of Salman Ali Agha and several experienced players alongside promising talents.
The schedule for Pakistan’s matches against New Zealand is as follows: 1st T20I on March 16 in Christchurch, 2nd T20I on March 18 in Dunedin, 3rd T20I on March 21 in Auckland, 4th T20I on March 23 in Mount Maunganui, 5th T20I on March 26 in Wellington, followed by the ODI matches starting on March 29 in Napier, April 2 in Hamilton, and concluding on April 5 in Mount Maunganui.
Pakistan will embark on a tour of New Zealand with a youthful squad under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. With injuries impacting some key players, several uncapped talents have been included. Agha’s positive outlook reflects the team’s readiness for challenges ahead, with a historical advantage in T20I encounters against New Zealand. The tour’s schedule outlines a series of critical matches as both teams prepare for future international competitions.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
