So it begins Pakistan, NZ look to ODI series to separate the sides

Both the T20 and the Tests have finished 1-1

KARACHI: With the honours shared at 1-1 in both the Test and the T20 series between Pakistan and New Zealand, the ODI series which gets under way on Monday has taken added significance in terms of separating the two sides across the tour.

On one hand, Brendon McCullum, Tim Southee and Trent Boult continue to be given a rest, while on the other, Pakistan welcome back pacers Wahab Riaz, Muhammad Irfan and Umar Gul into the ODI fold.

However, the suspension of Muhammad Hafeez has dampened spirits as the all-rounder will now be unable to bowl until he is cleared.

Hafeez’s suspension has affected the bowling combination and momentum going into the first ODI, a fact admitted by team manager Moin Khan.

“Our combination now has been disturbed due to the suspension of Hafeez and we’ll sit down to think what should be our best 11,” Moin told The Express Tribune. “He is still in contention for the first match and will not be sent back instantly. We’ve forwarded his case to the bowling action committee and they will review it and get back to us and then it will be decided when Hafeez will be sent for his official test.”

Pakistan’s team management will also have the more pleasant headache of fitting in senior batsman Younus Khan, who was in ominous form in the Tests against Australia and New Zealand.

Younus was left out of the ODIs against Australia and lamented the selection committee for overlooking him but since then has gone on to again establish himself as one of Pakistan’s premier batsmen.

It will also be interesting to see whether or not Pakistan will continue to persist with Sarfraz Ahmed as the opener; a role in which he impressed in the T20Is against New Zealand and the ODIs against Australia.

In Hafeez, Ahmed Shahzad and Nasir Jamshed, the selection committee has already named three openers for the first two ODIs, and Sarfraz provides them with a fourth option.

There are also plenty of choices for the middle-order as well, with skipper Misbahul Haq, Younus, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq all in contention.

Meanwhile, Moin added that team management is pleased by the return of Irfan and Gul. “They have done well so far on their comeback and let’s see how they do in the ODIs,” stated Moin.

 

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