Sarfaraz Ahmed back in test squad against New Zealand
Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has been added back to the team against New Zealand in the opening Test today in place of Mohmmad Rizwan, making a comeback in the squad after four years.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bat against New Zealand Monday in the first Test in Karachi.
The home team made three changes from the last Test which they lost to England at the same venue, suffering their first-ever home 3-0 whitewash. Sarfaraz Ahmed is playing his first Test since January 2019, while pacer Mir Hamza returns for the first time in four years.
Opener Imamul Haq is back after recovering from injury.
New Zealand start the Test with three spinners and as many pace bowlers. The visitors were also beaten 3-0 by England in their last Test series.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Wasim, Nauman Ali
New Zealand: Tim Southee (captain), Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson
Umpires: Alex Wharf (ENG) and Aleem Dar (PAK)
Tv umpire: Ahsan Raza (PAK)
Match referee: Mohammad Javed Malik (PAK)
