Pak v NZ: Shadab Khan to lead Team against Black Caps in first T20

All-rounder Shadab Khan will be replacing injured Babar Azam as captain in the first T20 match against New Zealand at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland on December 18.

According to the media reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management is satisfied with the cricketer’s fitness after the training session.

He had previously complained of a groin injury which restricted him to batting during the training session on Sunday.

The management has made the decision after Captain Babar Azam was ruled out due to a fracture in his right thumb earlier this week.

Babar’s injury came just a day after Imam ul Haq was ruled out due to a thumb fracture sustained during a net session and advised a 12-day rest.

Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is:

Shadab Khan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Musa Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Qadir and Wahab Riaz. Babar Azam (withdrawn due to injury)