Pakistan vs New Zealand: Shaheen Shah Afridi gets maiden Test call-up

Pakistan are currently playing the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. While the Men in Green won the T20I series 3-0, the 50-overs series is locked at 1-1 with the deciding encounter scheduled to be played tomorrow at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In the meantime, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-man squad for the three-match Test series.

The first Test is scheduled to start on November 16 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The second and third Test will be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has been a revelation for them ever since he made his international debut, has earned his maiden Test call-up. Karachi-born right-handed batsman Saad Ali has also been included.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi has been included in the Test squad because of his current form. Saad Ali has been included in the squad after his performances in domestic cricket and recent Pakistan ‘A’ series in the UAE,” chief selector and former Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq mentioned.

Asif and Hamza remain in the team

Saad recently played the four-day unofficial match for Pakistan ‘A’ against New Zealand ‘A’ in Abu Dhabi and impressed with a sparkling knock of 144 runs from 218 runs in the first innings. He was also a prolific run-scorer for Karachi in the country’s domestic first-class and List ‘A’ matches. Seamer Mir Hamza, who made his debut against Australia last month, has been retained in the squad.

Bilal Asif had a stupendous series against the Aussies, especially with the ball and he would be keen to make some contributions with the bat as well. After beating Australia, Sarfraz Ahmed and Co would want to carry on with their decent run of form against the Black Caps.

Here is the squad

Mohammad Hafeez, Imam ul Haq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Saad Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & wk), Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Mir Hamza

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