Changes likely for Pak in T20 today

Ahead of the crucial third T20I against New Zealand, Pakistan's head coach Aqib Javed hinted at making one or two changes to the playing XI for the must-win game in Auckland.

Despite losing the first two matches of the series, Javed remains optimistic about his team's chances and believes that the changes will strengthen their prospects for the upcoming game.

Speaking to the media, he emphasized that the primary focus remains on building a solid squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.

Javed mentioned that playing in challenging conditions like those in New Zealand would better prepare the team for the high-pressure tournaments later this year in the subcontinent.

"The team is young, but we are here to win the series. Our performances are improving, and we will fight back in Auckland," Javed stated, expressing confidence despite the setbacks in the earlier matches.

He acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to foreign conditions but stressed that integrating young players into such environments is vital for long-term success.

"People want immediate results, and so do we. We will try to make a strong comeback in the third match," he added.

Javed also pointed out that Pakistan's T20 setup has lagged behind other teams in recent years, as many top cricketing nations have developed specialized T20 squads.

"We are working towards that as well," he said, adding that the inclusion of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman could provide the team with a more balanced combination.

"Pakistan will succeed in building a strong team for the Asia Cup and World Cup," he asserted.

On individual performances, Javed dismissed the hype around hitting multiple sixes in T20 cricket and turned his focus to Shaheen Afridi's recent struggles.

"Shaheen started brilliantly, but injuries have affected his game. He needs to elevate his performance," Javed remarked.

The team also participated in a training session after landing in Auckland, preparing for the pivotal third T20I.

New Zealand currently leads the series 2-0, having won the first two matches. In the opening game, they defeated Pakistan by a dominant nine wickets, and in the rain-affected second T20I, the hosts secured a five-wicket victory.

With another loss in the upcoming match, Pakistan's chances of winning the series would be over.

The third T20I is a must-win for Pakistan as they aim to keep their hopes alive in the series.

Afridi questions selection

Former Pakistan captain and legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi voiced his frustration over the national team's selection for the ongoing five-match T20I series.

Afridi, while addressing the media during an event here, highlighted the lack of experience in the squad and claimed that the selection committee picked pacers for conditions suitable for spinners.

"They sent first-class players with just 10-11 matches experience. Where spinners were needed, they picked pacers or extra spinners," he said.

He also pointed out that batting coach Mohammad Yousuf was teaching players how to play off-spin, which the all-rounder believes should not be taught at this level.

"This isn't something that should be taught at the Pakistan team level," said Afridi.

The former captain also emphasised the need to give the national cricketers, including star batter Babar Azam, adequate breaks to ensure adequate workload management.

"Players need to be given breaks, whether it's Babar Azam or anyone else," Afridi said.

He also lamented the lack of opportunities for young pacer Mohammad Hasnain and emerging wicketkeeper batter Usman Khan, stating they have been warming the benches for a long time.

"Usman Khan and Mohammad Hasnain are not being given opportunities. They have been warming the bench for a long time," he stated.