Move Rizwan to number four, try Iftikhar at five: Shahid Afridi

After sealing the series against New Zealand, Pakistani opener Imam ul Haq said that the national team has limited opportunities to try out different lineups before the 2023 World Cup. Consequently, he opposes the notion of adding hard-hitting players such as Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Haris to the middle and lower order.

Upon being asked for his advice, former captain Shahid Afridi, while talking to a local news channel, proposed the idea that Mohammad Rizwan should be moved to number four and the Men in Green can try Iftikhar at five.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But in my opinion, we have fifteen or sixteen boys. Amongst them, if you want, you can easily try them in different combinations, and now, when we have ample time till WorldCup - even in the remaining two matches, you can try Iftikhar. Rizwan can be promoted to number four, and Iftikhar can be brought back to number five - given the fact that Rizwan wants to play on number four, so it's a good opportunity to take chances and try different combinations," Afridi said.

"You don't have to bring someone from utterly outside; you only have to try combinations within the current squad so that you may explore more choices," he added.

Pakistan has clinched a momentous series win over New Zealand after beating the Kiwis by 26 runs, breaking a 12-year jinx against the Kiwis. They will be looking to win the next two matches and become the number one ranked ODI side in the world.