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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has advised the team management to rest star players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan in the upcoming fifth T20I against New Zealand, scheduled for Wednesday in Wellington.
With New Zealand securing the series victory after a commanding 115-run win in the fourth T20I, Afridi sees the final match as an ideal opportunity to test Pakistan’s bench strength. He suggested that younger players should be given a chance to gain valuable experience in international cricket.
“Now that the series is lost, it’s the right time to allow the bench players to step in. Shadab and Shaheen can be given a break while fresh faces take the field,” Afridi expressed in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Pakistan’s Struggles Continue in the Series
Shadab Khan, who recently returned to the squad after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has struggled to make an impact with both bat and ball. In three innings, he has managed just 30 runs, averaging 10. His bowling performance has also been below expectations, claiming only one wicket in four matches.
Similarly, Shaheen Shah Afridi has faced difficulties with the ball. The left-arm pacer has taken only two wickets in the series, averaging 66.50, with an expensive economy rate of 10.23.
Pakistan Records Heaviest T20I Defeat
Pakistan suffered its worst defeat in T20I history in the fourth match of the series, as New Zealand handed them a crushing 115-run loss at Bay Oval on Sunday.
Chasing a formidable target of 221, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed, getting bowled out for just 105. This marks their largest defeat in terms of runs in T20Is, surpassing their previous 95-run loss to the Kiwis in 2016.
New Zealand, on the other hand, secured their second-largest margin of victory in T20Is, just behind their 118-run triumph over the West Indies in 2018, also at Bay Oval.
Basit Ali Lashes Out at Pakistan’s Performance
Former cricketer Basit Ali didn’t hold back in his criticism of Pakistan’s performance, stating that the current team selection needs reconsideration.
“These aren’t kids playing against us. If you want to keep this squad, then play against teams like Nepal or Ireland. This tour is proving to be a waste of time, just like our domestic T20 tournament. It’s better to play against Bangladesh,” Basit Ali remarked.
Basit, who played 19 Tests and 30 ODIs for Pakistan from 1993 to 1996, compared the ongoing National T20 Cup to the New Zealand series, calling both ineffective in grooming talent.
Pakistan’s batters struggled against the New Zealand pace attack, with Jacob Duffy and Foulkes utilizing their height to generate bounce and movement, dismantling the Pakistani lineup with ease.
FAQs
- Why is Shahid Afridi suggesting rest for Shaheen and Shadab?
Afridi believes that since the series is already lost, it is the right time to test bench players, allowing them to gain valuable experience. - How has Shadab Khan performed in the T20I series?
Shadab has struggled, scoring only 30 runs in three innings and taking just one wicket in four matches. - What is Shaheen Shah Afridi’s record in this series?
Shaheen has taken only two wickets with an average of 66.50 and an economy rate of 10.23, making it a disappointing campaign for him. - What is Pakistan’s worst T20I defeat?
Pakistan’s 115-run loss to New Zealand in the fourth T20I of this series is their biggest defeat in T20I history. - What was Basit Ali’s reaction to Pakistan’s performance?
Basit Ali criticized Pakistan’s team selection and suggested that the team should play against weaker opponents like Nepal or Ireland if they continue with the same squad.
