PCB announces Pakistan’s vice-captain in T20Is ahead of New Zealand series

After a tricky Test series down below in opposition to Australia which they misplaced 0-3, Pakistan are set to face New Zealand away from dwelling in the five-match T20I series ranging from January 12. This series can also be the primary project for Shaheen Afridi because the captain of the group even because the PCB has appointed wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan because the vice-captain in the shortest format of the sport.

Babar Azam stepped down as captain throughout all codecs after a disastrous ODI World Cup final yr and having gained Pakistan Super League (PSL) as captain of Lahore Qalandars, Shaheen obtained the highest job. The left-arm pacer can also be more likely to lead Pakistan in the T20 World Cup until issues change dramatically in the following few months. For now although, Afridi might be concentrating on main the group in New Zealand and might be assisted by Rizwan in the function. 

Rizwan has performed 85 T20Is for Pakistan to date amassing 2,797 runs, together with one century and 25 half-centuries. He will most certainly open the innings as properly despite the fact that there was criticism round his strike-rate alongside Babar Azam whereas opening the innings. Reacting to the appointment as vice-captain, Rizwan said that he’s wanting ahead to working with the brand new skipper and the coachin workers through the series.

“It is an honour to be named as the vice-captain of Pakistan Men’s T20I side. I am thankful to the PCB for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am looking forward to working closely with the captain, coaching staff, and my teammates to contribute to the team’s success,” Rizwan stated.

Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain and wicket-keeper), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan

Schedule

1st T20 – 12 January 2024 at Eden Park, Auckland

2nd T20 – 14 January 2024 at Seddon Park, Hamilton

third T20 – 17 January 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin

4th T20 – 19 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

fifth T20 – 21 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch