Pakistan squad update for T20I tri-series: Out-of-form batter released, veteran recalled

Hasan Nawaz dropped from Pakistan ODI & T20I squad

Following the completion of their all-format series against South Africa, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for three ODIs and a T20I tri-series which will also involve Zimbabwe. Nawaz, who was a part of both the T20I and ODI squads against South Africa, and was initially named for the Sri Lanka ODIs as well as the tri-series, has been released from the squads.

No replacement has been named for the ODI series, which starts on November 11, but veteran left-hander Fakhar Zaman, who was part of the reserves for the South Africa T20Is, has been recalled for the T20I tri-series in place of Nawaz.

Why has Nawaz been dropped?

The official PCB release said: "Hasan has been released to participate in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy – the country’s premier first-class tournament."

The move perhaps comes on the back of Nawaz's extended poor form in international cricket. The 23-year-old made his debut earlier this year against New Zealand, where he broke the unwanted record for most ducks in a bilateral T20I series and smashed the record for the fastest T20I century by a Pakistan batter in what turned out to be an incredible five games for him. Consistency has continued to evade him, however.

In his last nine international knocks, Nawaz has been dismissed for single digits eight times and has a highest score of 15. Most recently, he was out stumped attempting to launch left-arm spinner George Linde in the 47th over of the first ODI against South Africa, having just arrived at the crease with Pakistan needing 20 runs in 20 balls.

His last 50-plus score came in a T20I against UAE in August.

Also read: Hassan Nawaz, Pakistan's first T20 purist since Shahid Afridi, is the face of their changing philosophy

Hasan Nawaz international career:

Updated Pakistan squads

For Sri Lanka ODIs

Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah.

Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan.

All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.

Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah.

For Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe T20I tri-series

Batters: Abdul Samad, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan.

Wicketkeepers: Usman Khan.

All-rounders: Salman Ali Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub.

Bowlers: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq.

Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.

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