Pakistan and New Zealand are all set to face each other in third ODI of five-match series against New Zealand tomorrow [May 3] at National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
With 2-0 up in the ODI series, Pakistan are likely to make few changes in their lineup for the third game.
Iftikhar Ahmed, who was named as the replacement of injured Haris Sohail, is most likely to replace Abdullah Shafique in the final XI for the third game. Iftikhar will be reliable for Pakistan at number five position.
Young Ihsanullah, according to sources, is feeling pain in his bowling arm as he got hurt during yesterday's training session. He will be replaced by Shaheen Shah Afridi who didn't play last game.
Babar Azam will lead a slightly changed squad in the game with an aim to win the series. It will be first ODI series victory for Pakistan against New Zealand after 2011.
This series is a build-up to ICC World Cup 2023 in India for both the teams. Last two ODIs of this series will be played on May 5 and 7 at the same venue.
In his presser in Rawalpindi, Babar had said that ODI series against New Zealand is a key for World Cup and Asia Cup preparations.
"These five matches are crucial for our World Cup preparation," said Babar.
"We have eight ODIs plus the Asia Cup (to get ready) and we will be utilising them to be well prepared," he added
Pakistan's likely XI for third ODI
Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi