Azhar Ali recalled in Pak ODI squad for New Zealand series

Karachi [Pakistan], December 23 (ANI): Pakistan have named former captain Azhar Ali and all-rounders Aamir Yamin and Mohammad Nawaz in the squad for five-match ODI series against New Zealand next month.

However, left-handed batsman Ahmed Shehzad and all-rounder Imad Wasim have not been picked for the series.

Middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood, pacer Junaid Khan and all-rounder Imad Wasim will also miss out after failing fitness tests.

Fast bowler Aamer Yamin has replaced Junaid in the squad announced by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.

"Azhar Ali makes a comeback to the ODI squad after being rested against Sri Lanka and having regained full fitness," Pakistan publication Dawn quoted Haq as saying.

"Junaid Khan has been ruled out due to a fracture in his right foot. Doctors have advised him a six-week rest," he added.

Sarfraz Ahmed will continue to be the skipper after leading the team to victory in the Champions Trophy in June.

The Sarfraz Ahmed-led side also includes Muhammad Hafeez, who was recently banned from bowling by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an illegal bowling action but maintains batting capacity.

The ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played between January 6 and 19 in Wellington.

Pakistan Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c)(wk), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Aamir Yamin and Rumman Raees. (ANI)