Shahid Afridi Calls for Resting Key Players Ahead of Final T20I Against New Zealand

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has suggested that key players Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi should be rested for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, scheduled for Wednesday in Wellington. Afridi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to advocate for giving bench players a chance in the final match, especially with the series already lost following New Zealand’s dominant 115-run victory in the fourth T20I.

With the series already out of Pakistan’s grasp, Afridi believes it’s the perfect opportunity to test replacements. He wrote, “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.”

Both Shadab and Shaheen have struggled throughout the series. Shadab has only managed 30 runs in three innings and has claimed just one wicket in four matches. Shaheen, Pakistan’s leading pacer, has picked up only two wickets at an average of 66.50 with an economy rate of 10.23, a far cry from his usual high standards.

Pakistan’s performance in the fourth T20I was dismal, as they suffered a crushing 115-run defeat to New Zealand, their heaviest T20I loss in terms of runs. Set a daunting target of 221, Pakistan’s batting line-up collapsed, managing only 105 runs before being bowled out. Finn Allen’s quickfire half-century and Jacob Duffy’s four-wicket haul were instrumental in securing the win for New Zealand.

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Following the humiliating defeat, former cricketer Basit Ali heavily criticized Pakistan’s performance. He questioned the team’s selection and approach, suggesting the series felt like a “waste of time” and that the team should focus on more competitive opponents like Bangladesh.

With the series decided, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s team selection for the final game, as Afridi’s call for changes gathers momentum.