Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has suggested that key players Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi should be rested for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, which is set to take place in Wellington on Wednesday.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Afridi emphasized the need to give bench players an opportunity, particularly since the series is already lost following New Zealand’s massive 115-run victory in the fourth T20I.
“For the final game, the players on the bench should be given a chance – with the series lost, Shadab and Shaheen can be rested and replacements given an opportunity,” Afridi wrote.
Pakistan’s Struggles in the Series
Pakistan’s campaign against New Zealand has been disappointing, with both Shadab and Shaheen struggling to make an impact.
- Shadab Khan, who returned to the squad after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has managed just 30 runs in three innings, averaging 10. His bowling performance has also been poor, taking only one wicket in four matches.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi, the team’s pace spearhead, has also underperformed, picking up just two wickets in two matches at an average of 66.50 with an economy rate of 10.23.
Pakistan’s Heaviest T20I Defeat
Pakistan’s 115-run loss to New Zealand at Bay Oval on Sunday was their biggest defeat in T20I history in terms of runs. This surpassed their previous worst defeat of 95 runs against New Zealand in Wellington (2016).
Match Summary:
- New Zealand set a massive 221-run target, with Finn Allen smashing a quickfire half-century.
- Pakistan’s batting collapsed, managing just 105 runs before being bowled out.
- Jacob Duffy’s four-wicket haul sealed the resounding win for New Zealand.
This victory margin is New Zealand’s second-largest in T20Is, behind their 118-run win over West Indies in 2018, also at Bay Oval.
Basit Ali’s Harsh Criticism of Pakistan Team
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali strongly criticized the national team’s selection and approach following the humiliating defeat.
“Kids are not playing against us. If you want to keep this team, do it against Nepal or Ireland. You are wasting time. Just like the domestic T20 tournament is a waste of time and money, this tour is just like that. It is better to play against Bangladesh,” Basit said in a video statement.
Ali, who played 19 Tests and 30 ODIs for Pakistan between 1993 and 1996, compared the New Zealand series to the ongoing National T20 Cup, calling both a waste of time.
He pointed out that Pakistan’s batters struggled against New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly against the extra bounce and movement extracted by Duffy and Foulkes.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
With the series already decided, all eyes are now on Pakistan’s team selection for the final T20I. Shahid Afridi’s call for changes is gaining traction, and it remains to be seen whether the management will rotate players or persist with the same squad.
The fifth T20I will be crucial in evaluating Pakistan’s bench strength and could help the team find new talent ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
