ISLAMABAD – Changes likely in Pakistan squad ahead of crucial match againstNew Zealand.
The Pakistan cricket team management is likely to include Mohammad Hasnainahead of Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali due to their poor performances in theon-going World Cup 2019.
Hasan Ali has failed to improve on his form and has been a weak link inPakistan’s bowling attack since his rise to the top of the bowling rankingslast year. Although he performed supremely well in the Pakistan SuperLeague (PSL) 2019, he has not replicated the same for in one-dayinternationals.
Shaheen Afridi, on the other hand, has been smacked around by variousoppositions due to his inconsistent line and length. He also conceded themost runs in PSL 2019 and became the most expensive bowler in the historyof the tournament. According to experts, Shaheen Afridi needs to be given abreak to overcome his problems.
The 18-year-old Mohammad Hasnain, who bowls at a serious pace, impressed inthe PSL 4 as he clicked 150kph multiple times for Quetta Gladiators. He hasmatured since then and the time spent with the first team has helped himimprove immensely.
The Pakistan team management believes that he now deserves a chance as theteam can no longer afford to pair Mohammad Amir with bowlers who cannotmaintain the same pressure as Amir does from the other end.
The Men in Green need to win all their remaining matches and Pakistan’snext task is to overcome an unbeaten New Zealand team. The match will beplayed on 26th June at Edgbaston, Birmingham.