Babar Azam to be demoted in T20I batting order in NZ series: reports

Pakistan team management has reportedly decided to change the batting order of former captain Babar Azam in the T20I series against New Zealand, starting from January 12 in Auckland. 

As per the local media, this shift was conceived during the Test tour of Australia. Initially planning to enlist Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman as the opening duo, the management revised their strategy, opting for vice-captain Rizwan alongside Saim at the top of the order.

In this reformed lineup, former skipper Babar Azam is slated to bat at number three, with Fakhar Zaman earmarked for the number four spot.

There is no official statement has been made by the team management so far.

Earlier today, Pakistan's complete squad trained for the first time. Players, who were involved in the Test series against Australia, reached Auckland from Sydney yesterday.

It must be noted that Pakistan recently suffered a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia in a Test series down under.

Schedule of Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series

1st T20 – 12 January 2024 at Eden Park, Auckland

2nd T20 – 14 January 2024 at Seddon Park, Hamilton

3rd T20 – 17 January 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin

4th T20 – 19 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

5th T20 – 21 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch