Pakistan’s ODI squad starts preparations for New Zealand series

KARACHI: The players included in Pakistan’s One-Day squad for the three-match series against New Zealand have started preparations today here at National Bank Cricket Arena. 

The remaining players of the 16-member white-ball series squad on Friday joined the national team, which is currently playing the final day of the second Test against New Zealand.

The players held a vigorous net session in a training area adjacent to the main stadium, where Pakistan are currently striving to chase the 319-run target posted by New Zealand on the final day.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is undergoing strength training at Karachi’s Stadium as part of his rehabilitation program, also trained with the national squad. The left-arm pacer has been left out of the squad as the selection board decided to give him some more time to achieve full fitness.

On Thursday, Pakistan announced a 16-member squad for three ODIs against New Zealand on 9, 11 and 13 January.

Three uncapped players – Usama Mir, Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir – are selected in the ODI squad along with Shan Masood and Haris Sohail, who made a return to the side after missing on One-Day cricket from 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Pakistan Squad: 

Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir and Usama Mir

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