Tag PakvNZ-2010-11

Pakistan have not won a series of any format in quite some time but this December 2010, green team will have the opportunity to turn the tables around with 3 t20 series in New Zealand..

Shahid Afridi was selected as Pakistan captain because he was the most influential cricketer in the team, respected by all, but he hasn't lived upto expectations in recent times, although his batting is coming back to color these days while his bowling has detoriated a bit. In New Zealand where boundary edges are quite small, Afridi will have an important role to play for his team both as a spinner and as a counter attacking batsman.

Mohammad Hafeez is another batsman in form in Pakistan twenty20 squad who did well in last series against South Africa in Middle East and his opening partnerships with Ahmed Shahzad will define how visitors perform. Shahzad is favorite of captain Afridi although he is yet to fulfill his batting potential.

Younis Khan will take field in T20 format after a long time and he'll command the middle order with youngsters Umar Akmal and Fawad Alam. Fawad Alam is a batsman who should enjoy kiwi conditions as he likes to time the ball rather than hit'em. quick pitch should help him score quickly but Umar Akmal's patience and technique will be tested out.

Admal Akmal has been given the wicket keeper's slot, ahead of his experienced elder brother Kamran who's battling match fixing allegations and wasn't considered. third brother, Umar Akmal, can also don gloves if required by the team.

Abdul Razzaq's bowling has gone off the boil in last one year but swinging New Zealand conditions should help him rediscover his late inswing. If nothing, Razzaq remains a dynamite batsman that can explode anytime. With captain Afridi, Razzaq will look to score quick runs lower down the order in the twenty20 series coming up.

Pakistan have selected both their leading spinners in Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman for the tour. Rehman's left arm spin did little better than Ajmal's offspin against Proteas last month which means he'll start as the first choice to partner leg spinner skipper Shahid Afridi.

Pakistan fast bowling will depend on Shoaib Akhtar who has done a reasonable job since returning to limited overs format in last 6 months. Akhtar is now bowling from a shorter runout which has decreased his pace but increased accuracy. Umar Gul is still one of the best T20 bowlers at international level while Tanvir Ahmed made a memorable test debut against South Africa last month. Sohail Tanvir will provide the left arm seam option for the visitors.

Wahab Riaz is another left arm seamer selected in the Twenty20 squad but his is subject to fitness test he'll have to pass before playing any game.

Pakistan T20 squad for New Zealand tour

Shahid Afridi (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shahzad, Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Fawad Alam, Adnan Akmal (wicket keeper), Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Tanvir Ahmed, Sohail Tanvir and Wahab Riaz (subject to fitness).