Srinagar: Pakistan are likely to make two changes for the Third ODI against New Zealand with Iftikhar Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi expected to make comeback.
As per reports in Pakistan media Ihsanullah is suffering from pain in his right arm and is expected to be rested along with Abdullah Shafique, who only managed seven runs in the second ODI.
Shaheen is likely to return to the playing XI after resting in the second ODI. Iftikhar Ahmed is also expected to make his ODI comeback, after he replaced the injured Haris Sohail in the squad for the final three ODIs of the five-match series.
“I am ready to play any role for the team’s success and bat at any number. I frequently play in the middle order, and whenever I do – sometimes I get to play two overs or three or even five overs. But most importantly, as a professional, I strongly believe that whether I get to play two balls or three, it should always be for the team and the team’s interest. This is my only and sole focus right now,” Iftikhar was quoted as saying.
“As far as my comeback is concerned – so I won’t really call this a comeback. In the last match we played, which I was a part of – we chased 365 against Australia. Then against West Indies, I was benched despite being part of the team. So, in my opinion, this all is dynamically a part of the cricketer’s life. My aim is to contribute to the team’s success and make it wins,” he further added.
Pakistan are leading the series 2-0 and will play its third ODI against Kiwis on Wednesday, May 3, at National Bank Stadium, Karachi, eyeing to claim a series win.