Lahore: Pakistan’s selectors on Saturday included teenage pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi in a 15-man squad for the first two of the three Tests against New Zealand starting in Abu Dhabi next week. The 18-year-old has been in a devastating form in the ongoing one-day series in United Arab Emirates, taking 4-46 and 4-38 in the two matches so far. The third and final one-day international is in Dubai on Sunday. Shaheen Afridi has been in red-hot form in the ongoing ODI series. AFP He also took 3-20 in a Twenty20 match against New Zealand and four wickets in two Twenty20 internationals against Australia last month, also in UAE. The sensational pace bowler emerged on the scene last year, taking 8-39 in an innings in his first class debut, the best-ever figures by a Pakistani bowler in his first match. Pakistan and New Zealand play the first Test in Abu Dhabi 16-20 November. The second match will be in Dubai 24-28 November while the final Test is also in Abu Dhabi 3-7 December. A squad for the final Test will be announced later. “Shaheen has been included in the squad keeping into account his current form,” said chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq adding that the youngster has impressed with his bowling. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir is still sidelined after his recent poor form while another paceman Wahab Riaz was dropped after being wicket-less in the first Test against Australia last month. Also left out of the squad is opener Fakhar Zaman who… [Read full story]
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