Pakistan have won the toss against New Zealand and decided to bat first in the first Twenty20 International (T20I) at Auckland’s Eden Park on Friday. The Green Shirts are being led by Shadab Khan as regular skipper Babar Azam was ruled out due to injury. Team is facing difficulty with 153/9 in 20 overs
Shadab Khan said, “Looks a very good pitch. We want to put a score [on the board]. Proud moment for me and my family. We’ll miss Babar but it’s a good opportunity for the rest to step up. We are looking forward. We’ve prepared well and now it’s show time”
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner said, “Looks like a good wicket. We’re pretty happy to bowl. Another great opportunity to lead the side. Jacob Duffy makes his debut. Todd Astle and Doug Bracewell miss out. Every time you represent your country, it’s a big deal, and he’ll take the challenge on. Pakistan are a quality side, with pace and spin and quality in the batting. We’re ready for them.”
TEAMS
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Blair Ticker
