Tag: Muhammad Abbas

AUCKLAND: Muhammad Abbas has been included in the 15-member squad of New Zealand A for the upcoming tour of South Africa, featuring three one-day matches and two four-day games.

The squad, carrying an average age of just 25, highlights the country’s growing depth, with 10 players already having international experience.

Nick Kelly will captain the white-ball side, while Joe Carter takes charge in the longer format.

Among the notable selections are Abbas, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Bevon Jacobs, and Rhys Mariu, all of whom have recently broken into the senior New Zealand team.

Foulkes made headlines on debut in Zimbabwe earlier this year, grabbing 9/75, the best-ever figures by a Kiwi in their first Test.

Abbas, meanwhile, introduced himself in style with the fastest half-century by a New Zealand batter on ODI debut, smashing 26 balls to reach the mark against Pakistan in March.

Wicketkeeper-batter Hay has also enjoyed a remarkable summer, setting a T20I world record with six dismissals in an innings and producing a match-winning 99* against Pakistan in Hamilton.

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Jacobs and Mariu have impressed in limited outings as well, registering key knocks on debut appearances.

The squad shows two changes from the one that toured Bangladesh earlier this year, with Jacobs and Test pacer Matt Fisher coming in.

Auckland’s Simon Keene, yet to feature for New Zealand A, also gets the nod after consistent domestic performances, which include a first-class century and three five-wicket hauls.

Northern Districts all-rounder Kristian Clarke misses out due to a side strain.

The team will be coached by former New Zealand batter Daniel Flynn, currently assistant coach at Northern Districts, who steps up to guide a national side for the first time.

He will be supported by high-performance coaches Bob Carter and Graeme Aldridge.

The squad departs on August 24, with the tour starting on August 30.

New Zealand A Squad for South Africa tour

Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Joe Carter (red-ball captain), Josh Clarkson, Matt Fisher, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Bevon Jacobs, Simon Keene, Nick Kelly (white-ball captain), Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Dale Phillips.

READ: WATCH: Fakhar Zaman trains with Pakistan squad ahead of Tri-Series

Lahore-born cricketer Muhammad Abbas opened up about his journey of representing New Zealand in a video released on the Black Caps’ social media handle, expressing a deep pride in donning the national colors.

Abbas, who is the son of former Pakistan first-class cricketer Azhar Abbas, made his ODI debut against Pakistan in the three-match series opener.

The all-rounder scored a record-breaking half-century on just 24 balls, along with taking one wicket in a convincing 73-run victory over Green Shirts.

Muhammad Abbas broke the record for the fastest half-century on ODI debut, surpassing India’s Krunal Pandya.

 

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 The India all-rounder previously held the record with a fifty off 26 balls against England in 2021.

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The 21-year-old batter expressed immense pride over playing for New Zealand.

“Representing New Zealand is an honor for me. I grew up dreaming of this moment, watching great players wear the Black Caps jersey. Now, being the first New Zealand cricketer born in Pakistan makes it even more special,” he said.

“I was just a year old when we moved to New Zealand, but as a child, I always imagined making my debut against Pakistan. Now that it has happened, it’s a unique and exciting feeling,” Abbas recalled.

Muhammad Abbas commented on his deep ties with Pakistan, mentioning the family members back in Multan and Lahore.

“Many of my family members still live in Lahore and Multan. They must be eagerly watching me play, ” he said.

The right-hand batter lauded his father’s support in helping him play for the Black Caps.

“My father and I both played for Wellington. His sacrifices and support have been invaluable. We dreamed together, and now that it has all come true, it feels unbelievable. This journey has been amazing—it’s hard to believe,” said Abbas.

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