Pakistan vs New Zealand: PCB announces the 15-man squad for the third Test

After a shocking defeat in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan came back strongly to level the series in Dubai in the three-match Test rubber against New Zealand. They stunned the Kiwis with an overwhelming show thanks to Yasir Shah who picked 14 wickets in the match. It all boils down to the decider now with the series locked at 1-1 and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to retain the same side for the game which will be played from December 3.

Apart from Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali also bowled well in the second game much like he did in the series opener. He reversed the ball exceptionally and kept the opposition batsmen at bay. The hosts will hope that the duo continues to perform in the same fashion in the next game also and help Pakistan seal the series.

Will Shaheen Afridi get a game?

Shaheen Afridi has been one of the bright prospects for the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side across all the formats. He has improved after playing every game and it will be interesting to see if he gets a game. At the moment, it looks unlikely as Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali are doing a very good job and playing three seamers won’t be a great option on the turning wicket.

Having said that, Bilal Asif has been below-par with his performances after shining on debut against Australia and might sit on the sidelines. Mohammad Hafeez, in that case, might take up the extra responsibility. The batsmen are doing the good job as Haris Sohail and Babar Azam were superb. Though Hafeez and Asad Shafiq’s form is worrying for them and if they click, Pakistan will fancy winning the series

It will be one of the best victories for them in the whites having pushed to the corner after the first Test where their batting collapsed in the second innings to shock everyone.

Here’s the 15-man Pakistan squad: Mohammad Hafeez, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Bilal Asif, Hasan Ali, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Saad Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza.

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