Immediately after Pakistan’s limp capitulation in the Sharjah Test, the selection committee announced the squads for the two-match T20 series and five-match ODI series against New Zealand that start from December 4.
Seasoned batsman Younus Khan was rewarded for his fine form in the Test format with a spot in the ODI squad. The former captain forced his way in after a string of strong performances against Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, fast-bowler Umar Gul succeeded in proving his fitness to the selectors after taking part in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam league where he represented HBL while left-handed opener Nasir Jamshed also made a comeback in the 50-over format for the first time since featuring in the ODI series win against South Africa in November last year.
All-rounder Bilawal Bhatti was also drafted in the one-day team while fellow pace-bowling all-rounder Anwar Ali misses out on the 50-over squad but finds a place in the T20 one.
The selectors dropped left-handed middle-order batsman Fawad Alam after his dismal run in the ODIs against Australia 27 runs in three games whereas fellow left-hander Umer Amin also failed to hold onto his place in both ODI and T20 squads.
Muhammad Hafeez will make a return in both formats after missing out on the series against Australia following a hand injury. Ahmed Shehzad and Wahab Riaz have also recovered from their respective injuries for the rest of the matches against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, chief selector and team manager Moin Khan expects good results from the team.
”I expect them to perform to their potential in both the T20Is and ODIs. This is our final opportunity to test all our potential players before the 2015 ICC World Cup,” said Moin.
The official also believes that in-form players have been given the opportunity to cement their place in the national side.
“In the ODI squad, Younus has been recalled for the ODI squad due to his sparkling form and similarly, Sarfraz is featuring in a T20I for the first time.”
T20 Squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Anwar Ali, Muhammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Muhammad Irfan, Owais Zia, Raza Hasan, Saad Nasim, Sarfraz Ahmad, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz
ODI squad Muhammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Bilawal Bhatti, Haris Sohail, Misbahul Haq, Muhammad Irfan, Nasir Jamshed, Sarfraz Ahmad, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Younus Khan, Zulfiqar Babar
