Synopsis
Salman Ali Agha is focused on revitalizing Pakistan's cricketing fortunes after their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 setback. The team is set for a significant white-ball tour of New Zealand, beginning with a five-match T20I series at Hagley Oval.Key Takeaways
- Salman Agha is determined to improve results for Pakistan.
- Upcoming NZ tour is vital for team rebuilding.
- Young players will have a chance to shine.
- Pakistan's T20I squad includes three uncapped players.
- Team seeks to enhance its competitive edge against New Zealand.
Christchurch, March 15 (NationPress) Salman Ali Agha is resolved to change the course for Pakistan following their unsatisfactory performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As the Men in Green set off on an essential white-ball tour of New Zealand, they will kick off with a five-match T20I series at Hagley Oval, Christchurch this coming Sunday.
With the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching and the Asia Cup scheduled for later this year, Pakistan is now focused on constructing a competitive team under their new captain.
In a pre-match press conference, Agha emphasized the importance of the forthcoming matches and the chance they provide for emerging talents.
“We have several young players in our lineup, and this is a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their skills on the international stage after excelling in domestic cricket,” he stated.
Following the five T20Is, Pakistan will also compete in three ODIs in New Zealand, offering an early challenge for the restructured team. Unfortunately, key players Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman will miss the series due to injuries, leading to the selection of three uncapped players - Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali - who have earned their spots through impressive domestic performances.
Salman, who guided Pakistan to a 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe in his inaugural series as captain, remains hopeful about the team's future in New Zealand. “Our preparations are going smoothly, and we aim to achieve better results in New Zealand,” he mentioned.
Pakistan and New Zealand have a closely contested T20I rivalry, with Pakistan slightly ahead, having won 23 of their 44 matches. Their most recent T20I series in early 2024 ended in a 2-2 draw, setting up another exciting matchup.
Pakistan T20I squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), 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.
