Pakistan likely to make one change for New Zealand clash

Pakistan is likely to make one change to their playing XI which played against South Africa, ahead of the team’s 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup clash against New Zealand.

The team management is likely to drop out-of-form pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi from the side in favour of rookie pacer Mohammad Hasnain.

Hasnain is yet to feature for Pakistan during the ongoing 2019 World Cup while Afridi has played two matches — but failed to impress with the ball on both occasions. The left-arm quick picked up three wickets, during those matches, but was on the expensive side in terms of economy rate.

Hasnain stole the limelight during the 2019 edition of the Pakistan Super League and was fast-tracked into Pakistan’s national side. He has played five matches for the Men in Green — claiming five wickets at an average of 60.6.

The Men in Green, who need to win all of their remaining matches in the 2019 World Cup, have a stern task on their hands as they face table-toppers New Zealand. Pakistan, currently seventh on the table after two wins from six matches, still have a chance of breaking into the top four that will go into the semi-finals from the 10-team round-robin group phase.

After the New Zealand match, Pakistan play Afghanistan in Leeds on June 29 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Bangladesh at Lord's on July 5.