Abdullah Shafique's underwhelming performance in the two ODIs could also result in Iftikhar Ahmed being given an opportunity
PHOTO: PCB
Pakistan cricket team is considering several alterations to their playing XI for the fourth ODI against New Zealand, set to take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday.
Usama Mir might be given another opportunity to play in the ongoing series against the Kiwis. He is likely to take the place of Mohammad Nawaz, who sustained a finger injury during the last ODI and is almost certain to miss out.
Additionally, Fakhar Zaman, who is experiencing back pain, may be rested to allow for Shan Masood to join the team.
Abdullah Shafique's underwhelming performance in the two ODIs could also result in Iftikhar Ahmed being given an opportunity in the fourth ODI.
Haris Rauf might be included in the playing XI in place of Naseem Shah, who has been the standout performer among the Pakistani pacers and could potentially be given a rest.
With the series now in the bag, their first against New Zealand in 12 years, Pakistan will attempt to win the remaining two matches on Friday and Sunday so that they can vault from fifth to first on the ICC ODI Team Rankings. If this happens, this will be the first time Pakistan will achieve the number-one rankings, bettering their number-three ranking they had achieved in January 2007.
