Pakistan revamps T20 lineup for New Zealand showdown

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Pakistan’s T20 cricket squad is undergoing a significant transformation as they prepare to face New Zealand in the first T20I on March 16, 2025. The team management has opted for a bold approach, sidelining experienced players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in favor of a lineup packed with aggressive, untested talent.

This strategic shift comes on the heels of Pakistan’s disappointing performance at their most recent Champions Trophy and a desire to enhance their attacking style of play before the T20 World Cup next year. Under the newly appointed captain Salman Agha, who emphasizes “fearless” and “high-risk” cricket, the team aims to foster a more explosive batting approach.

With Saim Ayub unavailable, the probable top three comprises Mohammad Haris, Omair Yousuf, and the uncapped Hasan Nawaz. All three players are known for their aggressive batting techniques and will take center stage as the team revamps its strategy in a quest for higher strike rates and effective powerplays.

“We’ve probably had a bit more focus on ourselves. With a few new young players coming into the Pakistan side, there is a bit of unknown. But I think as long as we know what we are trying to do, that’ll be good enough for anyone that comes up against us,” said New Zealand’s stand-in captain Michael Bracewell, who will lead his team despite the absence of several key players due to Indian Premier League commitments.

New Zealand boasts a robust bowling lineup featuring Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy, each expected to challenge Pakistan’s inexperienced batting order. Recent performances underscore the importance of these matches as both teams look to solidify their rosters ahead of the World Cup.

Despite missing star players, New Zealand still fields a formidable squad, with Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman ready to capitalize on the home advantage at Hagley Oval. Last year’s matches saw New Zealand dominating Pakistan rather easily, with one match concluding with Pakistan being bowled out for just 92 runs.

“This is a young team, and we want to play fearless cricket. That is high-risk cricket, which is a requirement in modern cricket. There will be failures with that approach, but we have to support our players,” Agha remarked regarding his new team’s ambitions and challenges.

While the new lineup might lack experience, it possesses the potential for explosive performances. Haris and Yousuf, with only a handful of T20I appearances between them, will carry the responsibility of setting the tone for the innings. Conversely, Nawaz will lead the charge as Pakistan’s most seasoned batsman in this fresh trio.

The match will commence at Hagley Oval, known for its conducive conditions where teams typically score around eight runs per over. As both teams gear up for this crucial contest, eyes will be on how well Pakistan’s revamped lineup adapts to the pressures of international play.