Islamabad: As Pakistan prepares to face Australia in a much-anticipated One-Day International, team management and selectors will probably concentrate on putting together a well-rounded XI that blends seasoned players with up-and-coming talent.
Pakistan is expected to select a starting lineup that can handle Australia’s demanding and excellent cricket because of the requirement for reliable performances, flexibility, and tenacity.
Surprises could be in store because Coach Jason Gillespie has little influence over the players.
The probable lineup for Pakistan’s first Australia ODI
Opening duo: Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub are the opening duo.
Pakistan is expected to stick with the same concept by choosing Abdullah and Saim, the two obvious candidates, now that Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are back home. Where Abdullah can develop his innings and offer consistency throughout, Saim can give Pakistan a thrilling start.
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Middle order: Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam represent the middle order.
Except for Kamran, who can provide an additional degree of control in the middle overs, Pakistan is unlikely to make any changes to the middle order. Returning to the team after a short break, Rizwan and Babar have the ability to change the outcome of the game on their own, so their presence is essential.
Lower Middle Order and All-Rounders Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, and Aamer Jamal are all-rounders and lower middle orders.
According to Aqib-ball ideas, Pakistan is likely to launch a new lower middle order with Arafat and Aamer Jamal as standout players.
While Arafat Minhas saw a brief taste of fame in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, Aamer received the nod of approval during the test series against England, demonstrating his value to the team. With his bat and ball skills, he has the potential to become Pakistan cricket’s next major star.
Meanwhile, there is no need to introduce Salman Ali Agha. His current position as vice captain demonstrates the management’s confidence in him.
Pace Battery: Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah comprise the pace battery.
One pacer would have to give way as Hasnain is expected to be rewarded for his prolific form. With Shaheen and Naseem providing more swinging prospects than the fiery pacer, Haris Rauf is the most likely contender.
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Nonetheless, Pakistan will probably launch a full-scale pace attack, which would exclude Arafat, but it would be dangerous if the bowlers’ circumstances did not improve.
Most Likely Playing XI:
- Saim Ayub
- Abdullah Shafique
- Kamran Ghulam
- Babar Azam
- Mohammed Rizwan (C and WK)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Aamer Jamal
- Arafat Minhas
- Shaheen Afridi
- Mohammed Hasnain
- Naseem Shah