Shoaib to play in final practice match

Islamabad: Shoaib Akhtar returns to the Pakistan Probables XI line-up for the fifth and final practice match at KRL stadium on Friday.

Shoaib, who had figured in the opening game at Lahore after a nine-month lay off due to injuries, will be keenly observed by the three-member selection committee that arrived here to pick the squad for New Zealand tour.

Coach Javed Miandad being in the centre of controversy, yet again in row with the players, also arrived here after staying away from the other two practice games. He declined to talk on the issue.

Medium pacer, Mohammad Akram, included in the Chief Executive XI, was doubtful starter as he was still not fully recovered from fevevr.