Live: Pakistan wins toss, opts to bat first against New Zealand

Auckland: Stand-in captain Shadab Khan has won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand in the first T20I here at Eden Park.

The 22-year-old Shadab Khan is proud to lead Pakistan and thinks that it’s a great opportunity for youngsters in the absence of Babar Azam.

“Looks a very good pitch. We want to put a score on the board,” Shadab said after winning the toss.

“Proud moment for me and my family. We’ll miss Babar but it’s a good opportunity for the rest to step up. We are looking forward to it. We’ve prepared well and now it’s showtime,” he added.

Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner is happy to bowl on this wicket. “Looks like a good wicket. We’re pretty happy to bowl.

“Another great opportunity to lead the side. Jacob Duffy makes his debut. Todd Astle and Doug Bracewell miss out. Every time you represent your country, it’s a big deal, and he’ll take the challenge on. Pakistan is a quality side, with pace and spin and quality in the batting. We’re ready for them,” he concluded.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Blair Ticker

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