Babar Azam at 3, Fakhar to open with Saim; Haris Rauf out: PAK strongest XI for 1st ODI vs SA

Babar, Fakhar in; Rauf could sit out vs SA [Source: AFP]

After securing an emphatic T20I series win, Pakistan are getting ready to face South Africa in a three-match ODI series. Led by Agha Salman, the hosts crushed the Proteas by four wickets, registering a remarkable win in the T20I leg. However, it will be a different challenge altogether in the ODIs, as Pakistan have been quite modest with their performance in the format of late. 

Following their shambolic group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy, Pakistan suffered embarrassing ODI series defeats against New Zealand and West Indies. The Men in Green's dip in form forced the PCB to take an extreme step regarding Pakistan's ODI captaincy, replacing Mohammad Rizwan with Shaheen Afridi. 

As Pakistan's 2027 World Cup preparations are in full swing, the South Africa series will mark Shaheen Afridi's maiden outing as the ODI captain. So, ahead of the series opener, let's analyse and figure out what could be Pakistan's most potent combination for the Faisalabad clash. 

Fakhar Zaman back; set to open with Saim Ayub

Fakhar Zaman missed out on the West Indies ODIs due to injury, with Abdullah Shafique opening the innings with Saim Ayub. However, the veteran cricketer has recovered and is all set to take up one opening slot in the South Africa series. He will open the batting with Saim Ayub, who would like to capitalise on his red-hot form and improve his ODI numbers. 

Ayub was prolific with the bat in the T20I form, amassing 108 runs at a blistering strike rate of 150. His scintillating stroke play and Fakhar Zaman's aggressive intent could help Pakistan get a flying start with the bat in the powerplay. 

Babar Azam: A force to reckon at 3

(Babar Azam's ODI record at number 3)

Babar Azam didn't have a great series in the Caribbean, where he managed just 56 runs across three innings at a mediocre average of 18.67. However, the right-handed batter has performed magnificently at three for Pakistan, having amassed 5601 runs at an average of 58.34 and a strike rate of 88.01. So, Babar Azam is undoubtedly the backbone of Pakistan's batting unit and will play as their primary anchor after the swashbuckling duo of Fakhar and Saim. 

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Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman to bat at 4 and 5

(Rizwan and Salman at 4 and 5 in ODIs)

As evidenced by the above stats, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman have been prolific at four and five, respectively, in ODI cricket. While Rizwan will be tasked to bat deep and set the foundation for a competitive score, Agha Salman's ability to play aggressively in the middle-order has been a highlight of his ODI career. Besides providing Pakistan with handy batting contributions, Salman can also chip in with a few overs of useful off-spin. 

Meanwhile, Rizwan will be under pressure to deliver, with questions raising over his place amid failures as a batter as well as captain. In his last three ODI series, Rizwan has managed 190 runs at a middling average of 23.75 and a terrible strike rate of 65.06. So, he certainly has a point to prove in the South Africa ODIs and it will be interesting to see if the PCB's decision to relieve him of captaincy can bring the best out of him. 

Hasan over Hussain Talat; Nawaz to play as allrounder

(Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat in WI ODIs)

Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat both flopped in the Asia Cup. However, these two batters played superbly in the West Indies ODIs, where Nawaz was more impressive than Talat. So, despite his torrid run in T20Is, Hasan Nawaz should get the first preference over the southpaw for the first ODI, as his 360-degree stroke play and power-hitting adds quality and depth to Pakistan's finishing department. 

Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz, one of the most improved players for Pakistan in recent times, will be Pakistan's first-choice spin bowling allrounder. The experienced campaigner has oozed his class in white-ball cricket, amassing 338 runs and scalping 29 wickets in 23 matches this year.

Rauf dropped, Faheem in; Shaheen Afridi to lead PAK pace attack

Although Haris Rauf has been included in Pakistan's squad for the South Africa ODIs, the hosts should prefer Faheem Ashraf over him for the series opener. While Rauf has extra pace, Faheem's cutters and slow balls make him a valuable asset on Pakistani pitches. 

Besides, Faheem can also chip in with crucial contributions with the bat, offering depth to Pakistan's batting unit. He showcased remarkable form in the T20I series, scalping six wickets, including a four-wicket haul, and might play a key role for the home side. 

So, with Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi available, Pakistan should choose Faheem over Rauf as their third seamer. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed, who has 18 wickets in 11 ODIs, is the frontrunner to start as the specialist spinner over Faisal Akram due to his experience and consistent performance in the format. 

Pakistan's strongest XI for 1st ODI vs SA

Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (C), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

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