Pakistan’s cricket team, led by skipper Babar Azam, won the toss and opted to bowl first in the fourth T20 International against New Zealand at the historic Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Sports: Abbas three-for sets up 179-run chase for Pakistan. The toss, held at 7:00 PM (PST) in Lahore, witnessed both skippers, Babar Azam and Michael Bracewell, making strategic decisions amidst an air of anticipation.
Facing major injury setbacks with key players Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi ruled out of the series due to injuries, Pakistan made crucial changes to their playing XI.
Imad Wasim replaced the injured Irfan Niazi, while Fakhar Zaman stepped in for Rizwan. Additionally, Mohammad Amir, who sat on the bench in the third T20I, and Zaman Khan were included in the playing XI, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were given a rest.
The playing XIs for both teams are as follows:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan.
New Zealand: TA Blundell (wk), TB Robinson, D Foxcroft, MS Chapman, JDS Neesham, Michael Bracewell (c), JA Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, JA Duffy, BV Sears, W O’Rourke.
Read More: Depleted Pakistan take on New Zealand in 4th T20I today
After New Zealand’s striking comeback in the five-match T20I series, levelling the series 1-1 with a stunning victory in the third match at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, the stakes are higher than ever for both teams. Mark Chapman’s pivotal role in leading the visitors to victory in the third match has further intensified the competition.
With two matches remaining in Lahore, the series is poised on a knife-edge. The upcoming matches, scheduled on April 25 and 27 at the Gaddafi Stadium, promise high-octane cricketing action.
Schedule recap:
- April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi — Match called off due to rain
- April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi — Pakistan won by seven wickets
- April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi — New Zealand won by seven wickets
- April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore
- April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore
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