Shahid Afridi calls for dropping Shaheen, Shadab in final T20I against New Zealand

Shahid Afridi suggests resting Shaheen and Shadab for the final T20I against New Zealand after Pakistan’s series loss.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called for resting all-rounder Shadab Khan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, set to take place on Wednesday in Wellington.

New Zealand secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series with a commanding 115-run victory in the fourth T20I, driven by Finn Allen’s explosive half-century and Jacob Duffy’s four-wicket haul.

The hosts dominated the first two matches, while Pakistan showed resilience in the third T20I, successfully chasing 205 runs with Hasan Nawaz’s record-breaking century.

With the series already decided, Afridi urged team management to provide opportunities to younger players in the final fixture.

“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 on X, formerly Twitter.

Shadab, returning to international cricket after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, struggled for form, scoring just 30 runs in three innings at an average of 10. With the ball, he managed only one wicket in four matches.

Shaheen’s performance was also below expectations, taking two wickets in as many games at an average of 66.50 and an economy rate of 10.23.

Pakistan will conclude their tour of New Zealand with the final T20I in Wellington on Wednesday.