Pakistan's preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy weren't smooth as the team suffered twin defeats to New Zealand in the tri-series. The Men in Green did chase 353 against a weak South Africa, but the defeats to New Zealand will leave them slightly concerned. Pakistan will face New Zealand in the first game of the Champions Trophy on February 19 before facing India on February 23.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are likely to make plenty of changes to the playing XI for the Champions Trophy match against New Zealand from the tri-series final. Babar Azam hasn't been in great form. Can Pakistan be bold enough and drop Babar for Usman Khan, who can open with Fakhar Zaman. Very unlikely but given his recent form, Babar is lucky to be in the team. Also, dropping Babar in front of home fans would invite massive criticism.

Pakistan's Likely Playing XI vs New Zealand

Babar and Fakhar Zaman would open the innings, followed by Kamran Ghulam. Mohammad Rizwan will bat at four while Salma Ali Agha will play at five. Tayyab Tahir will be the No.six batter. Pakistan tried Khusdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf in the tri-series final but Ashraf could lose out on the place in the XI. Pakistan can play a specialist batter, probably Saud Shakeel in the team to strengthen the batting in place of Ashraf. If Shakeel is retained in the XI, he would bat at four and Rizwan at five. Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain could be the pacers. Haris Rauf injured his ankle in the first match of the tri-series and there are doubts about his fitness. Pakistan might not risk him early in the tournament. Abrar Ahmed would be the specialist spinner.

Pakistan's Likely XI vs New Zealand: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.