A new-look Pakistan will take on Zimbabwe in the first T20I of a three-match series on Sunday, December 1, at Queens Park Club in Bulawayo. Notably, Salman Ali Agha will lead the side in the absence of regular captain Mohammad Rizwan, who has been rested for the entire series. Meanwhile, Pakistan have announced their playing XI for the series opener against Zimbabwe.
Saim Ayub and Omair Bin Yousuf will open the batting for Pakistan in the first T20I against Zimbabwe. Usman Khan will take on the wicketkeeping duties.
Tayyab Tahir and the captain, Salman Ali Agha, will be responsible for stabilizing the middle order. Muhammad Irfan Khan and Jahandad Khan will be expected to finish the innings strongly. Jahandad Khan is also expected to contribute significantly with the ball.
Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf will lead the pace attack for Pakistan. The spin department will be handled by Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem. This combination will form the core of Pakistan's bowling attack in the first T20I against Zimbabwe.
Pakistan Playing XI for the first T20I against Zimbabwe
Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan (c), Usman Khan (wk), Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem
Notably, key players like captain Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, and Faisal Akram will be returning home following the ODI series against Zimbabwe.
Pakistan will aim to kickstart their new era in T20Is with a strong performance against Zimbabwe.
Coming off a 2-1 ODI series victory over Zimbabwe, Pakistan will be eager to carry the momentum into the T20I series. Despite a slow start to the ODI series, the team staged a stunning comeback to clinch the final two matches. They will be aiming to replicate their ODI performance in the T20I series and secure a victory in the opening game.