The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the playing XI for the first T20I match against Zimbabwe, scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 1, at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The match is the first of a three-game series running from December 1 to December 5.
The team, led by skipper Salman Ali Agha, includes a mix of young and promising players. The batting lineup features Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Jahandad Khan. The bowling unit comprises Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufyan Moqim.
Ahead of the series, captain Salman Ali Agha emphasized the team’s focus on winning. “We won the ODI series, and now our target is to secure the T20I series,” he said in a press conference. Agha also highlighted the importance of giving young players opportunities, stating, “We need to provide maximum chances to young players in this series.”
The captain expressed confidence in the squad, praising the young players for their strong domestic performances and urging them to enjoy the game. He also noted that the team aims to maintain its momentum in the T20I format by playing aggressively. “Our squad has good bowlers, and we will try to dominate the opposition,” Agha added.
Acknowledging Zimbabwe’s strength on their home ground, Agha said the team is prepared for the challenge. “Zimbabwe has proven to be tough at home, but we will work to control their match-winners,” he said.
The T20I series follows Pakistan’s 2-1 victory in the ODI series, capped by a 99-run win in the decider on Thursday. Kamran Ghulam’s maiden century and a strong bowling performance helped secure the victory.
Pakistan Playing XI against Zimbabwe: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufyan Moqim