Pakistan will take on New Zealand in a three-match ODI series from tomorrow (March 29). How could they line up in the first encounter?
Pakistan squad for New Zealand ODIs
Pakistan announced their squad for the series earlier this month, which included several inexperienced players as they attempt to find their best combinations in the white-ball formats. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have been left out, while opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are injured.
Imam-ul-Haq keeps his spot in the squad following the Champions Trophy, while Abdullah Shafique returns to the fold after missing out on that tournament. There was a maiden ODI call-up for left-arm quick Akif Javed, who finished as the joint-second highest wicket-taker in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Predicted Pakistan XI for the New Zealand ODIs
With limited opening options, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq are almost certain to open the batting. However, there have been (unconfirmed) reports that Imam is injured, which could see Babar Azam open as he did in the Champions Trophy.
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If not, Babar is likely to play at No.3, with Mohammad Rizwan at No.4, followed by Salman Ali Agha and Tayyab Tahir. Khushdil Shah will likely take the No.7 spot as the spin-bowling all-rounder. In the case that Imam is injured and Babar opens, there will be a space open for Irfan Khan Niazi to slot into.
In New Zealand, an attack of three seamers and one spinner is the most likely. Pakistan have not been overly keen to experiment early in the series, meaning this is likely to be Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. Left-arm leggie Sufiyan Muqeem has been impressive of late though, and could play instead of Abrar.
Predicted New Zealand XI for Pakistan ODIs: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
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