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Wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan is facing uncertainty for the opening T20I match against New Zealand scheduled at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reported discomfort in his right knee and calf muscle during batting practice in the nets on Wednesday. Medical attention is underway, and his inclusion in the team hinges upon radiology reports, according to a PCB statement.
Azam recently participated in an 11-day fitness camp conducted by the Pakistan Army at Kakul. Despite being a formidable batsman, his T20I statistics remain modest, with just 29 runs in eight matches, averaging 7.83. However, his commendable first-class record boasts 3,183 runs in 160 games, with a strike rate of 147.56. His performance in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) earned him a national team spot.
In other news, fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is likely to be “rested” for the first two matches of the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand. However, he is expected to join the team for the final three matches, as the management aims to keep him fresh for the T20I World Cup in June.
TEAMS
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Zaman Khan
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi and Zak Foulkes.