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Updated 20 Dec, 2017 06:03pm

Azhar, Hafeez declared fit to play in upcoming NZ tour

Pakistan opener Azhar Ali and middle-order batsman Mohammad Hafeez have both passed their fitness tests and are set to represent the national side in the upcoming New Zealand tour.

They are also scheduled to play in the SNGPL side in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QAT) five-day final scheduled to be played in Karachi starting Thursday.

Azhar, who was an integral part of his team's 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, had picked up a knee injury during a series against Sri Lanka.

But the 32-year-old, having fully recovered from the knock, recently requested a fitness test so he could play in the QAT final and also be reincorporated into the national fold ahead of the upcoming New Zealand tour.

Hafeez, meanwhile, took a break following the Sri Lanka home series and spent time in England to rectify his faulty bowling action which had landed him a fresh one-year ban bowling ban from the International Cricket Council in November.

The duo has, however, proven their fitness, following which they were given the green signal to join their departmental side, which will take on Wapda in the five-day final in Karachi.

If all goes according to plan, Azhar should make the One Day International squad for the tour down under, whereas Hafeez is expected to be included in the Twenty20 International side, as well as the ODI squad.

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