Pakistan will lock horns in a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, starting from August 22. What will Pakistan’s XI look like for the Afghanistan series?

Inzamam-ul-Haq, chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board, named an 18-member squad to face Afghanistan in the bilateral white-ball series. Saud Shakeel has sealed a berth in the ODIs on the back of his purple patch in Test cricket, but will miss out when the squad will be downsized to a 17 for the Asia Cup 2023 starting from August 30.

Other notable selection decisions include Shan Masood’s omission, Faheem Ashraf’s recall after two years, the uncapped Tayyab Tahir’s inclusion, and the injured Ihsanullah’s omission.

Here is what Pakistan’s starting XI may look like.

Openers

Fakhar Zaman (363 runs at 90.75, strike rate 99) was the highest run-getter for Pakistan in their 4-1 ODI series win against New Zealand this year, and was adjudged Player of the Series for his heavy returns.

Partnering him would be another left-hander, Imam-ul-Haq, their third-highest run-getter in the series, after Fakhar and Babar Azam, scoring 174 runs from three games at an average of 58. The regular opening duo should be a sure starter for the tourists.

No.3 and Middle-order

Babar Azam at No.3 will mean that Pakistan will have three of the top four in ICC rankings in their top three.

After an ordinary start, Mohammad Rizwan’s ODI career has finally taken off. He averages 68.60 and has struck at 95 in 2023, his best year. In the New Zealand series, he struck 42 not out and 54 not out, closing the games.

All-rounders

Pakistan’s long string of all-rounders – even if one does not include Rizwan – provides them an advantage over most sides.

At No.5 is the in-form Salman Agha. In the penultimate ODI in the last series, he came in at 128-3 and slammed 58 in 46 balls. In the next ODI, he struck a run-a-ball 57 in a losing cause. A fruitful run in the Test series in Sri Lanka reassured the selectors of his credentials.

It would be a travesty if Iftikhar Ahmed didn’t play at No.6. Known for his late-order blows, he played twice in Pakistan’s last series, smashing 122 runs at a strike rate of 130. ‘Ifti Mania’ gripped Karachi in the fifth ODI. While chasing 300, Pakistan were reduced to 66-4 in 18.3 overs, but Iftikhar’s 72-ball 94, including eight fours and two sixes, gave New Zealand a scare.

Shadab Khan, Babar’s deputy, should come in at No. 7 as the lead spinner of the side. At No.8, seamer Faheem Ashraf is likely to get the nod ahead of wrist-spinner Usama Mir,  especially after PCB chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq stressed on the importance of a seam-bowling all-rounder.

Bowlers

For the last three slots, Pakistan will back the fiery fast-bowling trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. In their last ODI series, Rauf was their highest wicket-taker, with nine scalps at an average of 25; Shaheen finished with eight at 24.50, and Naseem with five at 24.

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