Pakistan likely playing XI for first T20I against New Zealand

The Pakistan cricket team is set to take on New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Thursday. The toss will take place at 6:30pm (PST), and the match will commence at 7:00 pm (PST).

Given the probability of rain impacting the match and the forecast of overcast conditions, Pakistan team management is expected to field a balanced side with a mix of experience and emerging talent.

Leading the side will be Babar Azam, who is expected to open the innings alongside Saim Ayub. The duo will provide a solid start to Pakistan's innings. Following them, the wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan is set to take the number three position, offering stability in the middle order and anchoring the innings.

One of the key decisions will be choosing between Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman to strengthen the batting lineup. Both players bring their own strengths to the table, adding depth to the batting order.

In the all-rounder department, Pakistan is likely to rely on the trio of Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Imad Wasim. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball will provide versatility to the team and offer valuable options to the captain.

Given the expected rainy conditions, Pakistan is inclined towards fielding four pacers to exploit the seam-friendly conditions. The pace attack is expected to include Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah and Abbas Afridi.

Pakistan likely XI:

Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Usman Khan/Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir