NZ vs PAK: Why is Usama Mir not playing today’s 2023 World Cup Match?

As Pakistan takes on New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup, keen-eyed cricket enthusiasts have noticed the absence of Usama Mir in Pakistan’s playing XI. This omission is significant and has raised questions about the lineup.

NZ vs PAK: Why is Usama Mir not playing today’s 2023 World Cup Match?

Pakistan’s decision to exclude Usama Mir from the lineup stems from a strategic choice in their bowling composition. In today’s match, the team management has opted to go in with a different bowling configuration that emphasizes a pace-heavy attack. This shift in strategy has led to the inclusion of four fast bowlers in the XI.

One of the notable changes in Pakistan’s bowling lineup is the inclusion of Hasan Ali, a talented fast bowler known for his ability to generate pace and swing. Hasan Ali’s presence adds depth to Pakistan’s pace attack and provides them with an experienced and skilled fast bowler.

With the emphasis on pace bowling, the number of spinners in the team has been reduced. In today’s match, Pakistan will primarily rely on Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman as their spin bowling options. Both Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman will serve as the fifth and sixth bowling choices, with the onus of providing spin options in the game.

Babar Azam at toss: We will have a bowl first because of moisture on the surface. We have good bowling and we are trying to hit good lengths and execute our plans. We have one change. Usama Mir is not playing and Hasan Ali is playing. I’m feeling good (with the form), but not been able to finish games, I will try my best to enjoy myself and looking forward to the game.

Usama Mir, known for his leg-spin bowling, is a valuable asset in Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. However, today’s match’s strategic decision has resulted in his exclusion from the playing XI. The team management’s choice to prioritize fast bowlers aligns with their assessment of the conditions and requirements for the match.

Pakistan XI

Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf

Bench: Usama Mir, Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz