Aaqib Javed names his Pakistan playing XI for first T20I against New Zealand

Former pacer Aaqib Javed has named his probable Pakistan playing XI for the first Twenty20 International (T20I) against New Zealand, starting from December 18 in Auckland.

While speaking to Express News, the former cricketer said that Pakistan should bat first if they win the toss, as he believes that Men in Green’s experienced bowling lineup can defend competitive totals in T20s.

“Pakistan should bat first and try to set a target of 180. Pakistan has the bowlers who have played a lot of T20 cricket so they will be able defend a competitive total,” said Aaqib.

“Pakistan will need to rely on their pacers instead of spinners to defend the target, due to the short boundaries at Auckland stadium. Plus, it will be easier for Pakistan batsmen to play their strokes there as well,” he added.

Aaqib also revealed the bowling plan the Men in Green should employ against the hosts in the first T20I.

“Shaheen Afridi should open the bowling with Imad Wasim. Shadab should then bowl along with other pacers during the middle-overs. Haris Rauf should bowl majority of the death overs along with Wahab Riaz,” he said.

Aaqib Javed’s playing XI for the first T20I:

Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan (c), Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi