Pakistan’s dynamic top-order batter, Sahibzada Farhan, is gearing up for the challenge of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, expressing his readiness to bat at any position as needed. Having showcased versatility in the past three years, Farhan highlighted his adaptability, having played both as an opener and at number three.
During a media interaction at Pakistan’s training camp ahead of the series, he emphasized his eagerness to contribute wherever he is placed in the batting lineup.
“I have been playing as an opening batter for the last three years, however, I have also played at the number three position and have performed at this number too,” said Farhan.
“I am ready to play at any number for Pakistan whenever I get a chance.”
Farhan’s recall to the T20I squad is well-earned, backed by his outstanding performance in the National T20 Cup. Emerging as the highest run-scorer in the tournament, he amassed 492 runs in 12 innings with an impressive average of 44.72 and a strike rate of 178.90.
The T20I series against New Zealand holds significant importance as teams gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup later in the year. The squad boasts key players such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, along with promising talents like Saim Ayub and Haseebullah Khan.
The series, commencing on January 12 in Auckland and spanning across different cities, is a platform for Pakistan to build on its cricketing legacy in New Zealand. The leadership of captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, combined with the experience of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, is expected to play a pivotal role. The inclusion of talents like Azam Khan and Sahibzada Farhan adds depth and dynamism to the team, creating a robust lineup.
Pakistan squad for the tour of New Zealand
Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Zaman Khan, Aamir Jamal, Azam Khan (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan (wk) and Abbas Afridi.
Schedule of the Series
First match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 12 January, Auckland
Second match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 14 January, Hamilton
Third match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 17 January, Dunedin
Fourth match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 19 January, Christchurch
Fifth match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 21 January, Christchurch.
With an eye on the ICC T20 World Cup, the T20I series becomes a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake their claim in the squad. Pakistan’s formidable bowling arsenal, featuring Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jnr, adds firepower to the team, setting the stage for an anticipated and closely contested series against New Zealand. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the exciting clashes that lie ahead.
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