3 Players Whom Pakistan Could Drop For 1st Champions Trophy Match vs New Zealand

Pakistan players in action [Source: AP]

On Wednesday, Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the hosts recently lost the Tri-Series final against the BlackCaps. So, this match gives them a golden opportunity to avenge the defeat and push New Zealand on the back foot early in the tournament. 

Considering the importance of this match, Pakistan must be trying to field their most potent combination. In such a scenario, there are three players who could be dropped from the playing XI due to their non-performance. 

1. Saud Shakeel

(Saud Shakeel's ODI numbers)

• As evidenced by the stats above, Saud Shakeel doesn't have a great record in ODI cricket. More importantly, Shakeel failed to capitalise on two consecutive opportunities, managing only 23 runs at a mediocre average in the recently concluded ODI Tri-Series. 
• So, Shakeel doesn't give Pakistan a reliable option at number three. Considering Babar Azam's vulnerability as an opener, the hosts might be forced to implement their old formula of having Kamran Ghulam at three or open with Usman Khan while re-instating Babar at number three for the all-important Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand.

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2. Khushdil Shah

(Khushdil Shah's poor record in ODIs)

• Pakistan's experienced cricketer Khushdil Shah earned a much-awaited ODI recall after performing impressively in the Bangladesh Premier League. However, he was a major disappointment in the ODI Tri-Series, failing miserably with bat and ball. 
• Khushdil doesn't have an excellent record in ODIs and let Pakistan down with his underwhelming performances with bat and ball in the Tri-Series. Therefore, Pakistan might bench him for the first game and replace him with Faheem Ashraf. 

3. Mohammad Hasnain

(Mohammad Hasnain's ODI stats)

• Right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain was a major letdown for Pakistan in the ODI Tri-Series, going wicketless and conceding 72 runs off eight overs in the only match he played. 
• Haris Rauf, who picked up an injury during the Tri-Series, reportedly stated that he was feeling much better and could be fit for the opening game against New Zealand. Also, given that Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will be preferred as the first-choice pacers, Pakistan will likely bench Hasnain, if Rauf recovers in time. 

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