Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim is likely to make his anticipated return to international cricket in the fourth T20I against New Zealand today.
Last year, Wasim announced his retirement from international cricket, but his subsequent reversal, along with Mohammad Amir, has injected fresh vigour into Pakistan’s lineup ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Wasim, alongside Fakhar Zaman, is set to make his first appearance in the series, bolstering Pakistan’s batting and bowling arsenals after being sidelined for the initial three T20Is.
Pakistan team management faced massive criticism for resting Imad Wasim in the earlier games. Fans and former cricketers believe that Amir and Wasim should get maximum matches before the T20 World Cup after coming out of retirement.
However, all-rounder Shadab Khan defended the decision and hinted at Wasim’s potential inclusion in the last two games against New Zealand in a press conference after the third game.
“It was part of the rotation policy. Management had already talked to all the players. So according to the rotation policy, Imad Wasim might get a game now,” Shadab Khan said.
Imad Wasim’s presence will add balance to Pakistan’s lineup, thanks to his dynamic performance with the bat and the ball.
The 35-year-old all-rounder has represented Pakistan in 66 T20Is and scored 486 runs along with 65 wickets.
Meanwhile, several other changes are also expected in the playing XI for the fourth match with captain Babar Azam and Saim Ayub to retain their position as the opening batters.
In the absence of Mohammad Rizwan, who continues to grapple with a hamstring injury, Usman Khan is poised to take on wicketkeeping duties, slotting in at number three.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman is set to occupy the number four position, adding firepower to Pakistan’s middle order.
The team management’s decision to rest Naseem Shah underscores their commitment to optimizing performance, with Usama Mir stepping in to bolster the squad.
The pace bowling department remains formidable, spearheaded by the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Abbas Afridi. Notably, Amir returns to action after being rested for the third T20I, adding depth and experience to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Pakistan likely XI
Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Usama Mir
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