Auckland, January 2025 – Pakistan’s head coach Aqib Javed has signaled a tactical shake-up for the third T20I against New Zealand, with one or two changes on the cards for the high-stakes encounter at Eden Park on Friday. Trailing 0-2 in the series, the Men in Green face a must-win situation to salvage pride and momentum ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup later this year.
Speaking at a press conference after a brisk training session in Auckland, Javed exuded confidence despite the back-to-back defeats in Dunedin and Christchurch. “We’re here to fight, not just to compete. The boys are adapting, and you’ll see a stronger unit tomorrow,” he declared. The coach hinted at the possible inclusion of explosive opener Saim Ayub and seasoned campaigner Fakhar Zaman to bolster the batting firepower, aiming to counter New Zealand’s relentless pace attack and tricky conditions. Pakistan Gears Up for Do-or-Die Clash in Auckland
Javed downplayed the series losses as mere hiccups, emphasizing the bigger picture. “We’re building a squad for the Asia Cup and World Cup. These tough tours are the best preparation—better to face challenges now than later,” he said, pointing out that subcontinental conditions at the upcoming tournaments will play to Pakistan’s strengths. He acknowledged fan frustration but urged patience: “Results will come. We’re not far off.”
The coach also addressed concerns over Shaheen Afridi’s form, noting that injuries have hampered the left-arm pacer’s rhythm. “Shaheen has the heart of a lion, but he needs to rediscover his edge. We’re backing him to lead the attack,” Javed said, brushing aside calls to rest the spearhead. Meanwhile, he played down the obsession with T20 six-hitting trends, stressing disciplined aggression over reckless slogging. “It’s about smart cricket, not just clearing boundaries.”
Pakistan’s training session on Thursday saw the team acclimatizing to Auckland’s breezy conditions, with a focus on fielding drills and net rotations. Despite the series scoreline, Javed believes the squad’s morale remains high. “This is a young side with fire in their bellies. New Zealand is a tough place to tour, but it’s making us sharper,” he remarked.
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As the third T20I looms, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan can deliver a statement win to kickstart their 2025 campaign on a positive note. For Javed and his troops, Friday isn’t just about avoiding a whitewash—it’s about laying the foundation for global dominance.
