ISLAMABAD: Following a 3-1 defeat in the T20 International series, Pakistan’s team management is contemplating changes for the fifth and final match against New Zealand in Wellington.
The underperforming displays of senior players, including Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan, have raised concerns, prompting a review of the squad’s strategy, according to One Cricket.
Shadab Khan, who was unexpectedly brought back into the squad and named vice-captain, has struggled with both bat and ball. In four matches, he has scored only 30 runs and conceded 110 runs from 11 overs, taking just one wicket.
🚨 TOSS ALERT 🚨
New Zealand win the toss and opt to field first 🏏#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/FilWliSIQ4
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 26, 2025
Similarly, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s form has been disappointing. He has bowled 13 overs across four matches, giving away 133 runs and claiming only two wickets at an average of 66.50.
Standout bowler
In contrast, Haris Rauf has been Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking eight wickets at an impressive average of 9.50.
In the batting department, Agha Salman has been Pakistan’s top scorer with 116 runs from four matches, followed by Hasan Nawaz with 106 runs.
So far, Pakistan has not used Omair Bin Yousuf, Sufiyan Muqeem, or Usman Khan in the series.
Former captain Shahid Afridi has publicly recommended that both Shaheen Afridi and vice-captain Shadab Khan be rested for the final match. In a post on the social media platform X, Afridi suggested that, with the series already lost, Pakistan should take the opportunity to test its bench strength.
Final match
Meanwhile, the Pakistan team arrived in Wellington from Mount Maunganui on Monday and is scheduled to begin preparations for the final match.
The management is grappling with concerns over the team’s performance, with critics continuing to question the squad’s approach during the series.
Pakistan’s woes were further exacerbated in the fourth T20I, where they suffered their heaviest defeat in T20 history, losing by 115 runs. This also marked New Zealand’s largest margin of victory in the format.
After the match, captain Agha Salman acknowledged that the ball swung significantly more in the second innings, making batting difficult, but he remained hopeful of an improved performance in the final game.
