Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has called for resting all-rounder Shadab Khan and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Wellington. With New Zealand holding an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, Afridi emphasized the importance of giving younger players a chance in the concluding match.
New Zealand sealed the series with a dominant 115-run win in the fourth T20I, powered by Finn Allen’s explosive half-century and Jacob Duffy’s impressive four-wicket haul. The hosts had controlled the first two matches, while Pakistan managed to fight back in the third T20I, chasing down 205 runs thanks to Hasan Nawaz’s record-breaking century.
Also Read: New Zealand Set 204 Target in Third T20I Against Pakistan
Afridi, highlighting the already-decided series, took to X (formerly Twitter) to suggest that the team management should rotate the squad and rest key players. “For the final game, the players on the bench should be given a chance – with the series lost, Shadab and Shaheen can be rested and replacements given an opportunity,” Afridi wrote.
Shadab, returning to international cricket after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has struggled to find form, scoring just 30 runs across three innings and taking only one wicket in four matches. Similarly, Shaheen Shah Afridi has underperformed, managing two wickets in two games at an expensive average of 66.50 and an economy rate of 10.23.
Pakistan will wrap up their New Zealand tour with the final T20I in Wellington on Wednesday, giving them one last chance to test their bench strength.
