Three changes as Pakistan unveil playing 11 for third T20I against New Zealand

Pakistan on Tuesday announced playing XI for the third T20I against New Zealand.

Seamer Abbas Afridi has been rested due to a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain.

Leg-spinner Usama Mir and all-rounder Aamer Jamal have also been excluded from the lineup.

Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohamamd Nawaz and Zaman Khan have replaced the trio for the third T20I match scheduled to be played in Dunedin on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that right-arm pacer Abbas Afridi will miss the third T20I match due to discomfort from a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain.

“His scan has shown no sign of significant injury, and he will be managed symptomatically,” it said, adding the decision about his availability for the last two games will be made at a later stage.

The absence of Abbas Afridi, who impressed in his first international appearance in any format with five wickets, comes as a significant setback for the team.

On Sunday, New Zealand beat Pakistan by 21 runs in the second T20I to claim a 2-0 series lead.

The Green Shirts gave away a strong position in their run chase after Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman scored half-centuries. They were dismissed for 173 in the final over, in response to New Zealand´s 194-8.

Schedule of remainder T20Is:

3rd T20 – 17 January 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin

4th T20 – 19 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

5th T20 – 21 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch