• Pakistan pre-T20I bonding in Dunedin.
• 3 changes for must-win match.
• Trailing 2-0, comeback bid in Dunedin on Jan 17, Christchurch on Jan 19 and 21.

In the picturesque city of Dunedin, the Pakistani cricket team took a welcome break from the intensity of their series against New Zealand to unwind and recharge ahead of the crucial third T20I. The Green Shirts, currently trailing 2-0 in the five-match series, are gearing up for a must-win clash on January 17, with hopes of turning the tide in their favor.

Captain Shaheen Afridi and his teammates were spotted enjoying a day out in Dunedin, creating memories both on and off the field. The camaraderie among the players was evident as they shared laughs and happy moments during a team dinner held inside a local restaurant. The squad was joined by key members of the management staff, including cricketing stalwarts such as Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez, and Umar Gul, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Despite the upbeat mood, the team underwent strategic changes in their playing XI for the upcoming match. The exclusion of leg-spinner Usama Mir and all-rounder Aamer Jamal, along with the absence of leading wicket-taker Abbas Afridi due to a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain, posed significant challenges. The void left by Afridi’s absence would be a point of concern for the team, considering his pivotal role in the bowling department alongside Haris Rauf.

In the revised lineup, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, and Zaman Khan have been drafted in, with hopes of injecting fresh energy and versatility into the squad.

As the series hangs in the balance, with New Zealand leading 2-0, the Pakistani team faces a critical juncture under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi. The middle order’s struggle to make runs in the previous matches has heightened the pressure on the team to deliver a strong performance in Dunedin.

With the series on the line, the stage is set for a nail-biting encounter at University Oval, Dunedin, on January 17. The Pakistani squad will be looking to translate their moments of relaxation into a winning performance, avoiding a series defeat and keeping their hopes alive as they head to Christchurch for the remaining T20Is on January 19 and 21.

Also Read

Pakistan Cricket stars gear up for inaugural Sindh Premier League

The Sindh Premier League starts Jan 25 with top Pakistani players. Afridi,...