Babar Azam fails, Wasim Jr in? Probable Changes PAK could make for 2nd ODI vs South Africa

Pakistan's probable changes vs SA [Source: AFP Photo]

Pakistan defeated South Africa in a close-fought contest to win the first ODI on Tuesday. Chasing 264, Pakistan lost the plot in the middle overs, but they eventually crossed the hurdle as the hosts captured the win by the barest of margins (2 wickets). While their bowlers did extremely well, the batters underperformed.

The team had chinks in its armour even before the series started, and it has failed to address those issues as Pakistan enters the second ODI, aiming to win the series. Ahead of the second ODI match between the two sides, we look at the probable changes Pakistan could make in their playing XI.

Likely changes Pakistan could make for second ODI

1) Hasan Nawaz

The Pakistan batter, Hasan Nawaz is primarily an opener, but for some reason, Pakistan are utilising him in the middle order, and the move has so far failed to deliver the goods. He looked out of touch in the first ODI and struggled to adapt in the middle order as he departed for just 1 off 3.

Pakistan already have a plethora of openers in the squad, and hence, Nawaz won't get a chance to play at his preferred position. In his place, the team could bring in Faheem Ashraf, who fits in perfectly in the middle order and can also chip in with overs and wickets.

2) Babar Azam out?

Average of just 28.42 in 12 ODIs this year, with no match-winning performances, defines Babar Azam’s ODI year. Even on Tuesday, when Pakistan needed Babar to stand and deliver the goods, Babar failed and was dismissed for just 7.

(Babar Azam in 2025)

• This year has been a struggle for Babar in ODIs, and he has looked a pale shadow of his former self with abysmal numbers.
• However, Pakistan might be given two more chances to salvage his place in the side. He recently scored a match-winning fifty in the T20I series decider vs South Africa, and Pakistan might want to give him a couple of more matches to save his place.

3) Bring in Mohammad Wasim Jr

In Agha Salman, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan has a plethora of spinners in their playing XI, but they lack a quality pacer in their lineup. Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan ODI captain will play all the games, but he needs support from the other end, and perhaps the team could bring in Mohammad Wasim Jr to fill in that role.

This year in 3 ODIs, Mohammad Nawaz has been a disappointment, picking up just 4 wickets, and also scoring just 37 runs. With so many all-round options already available, the team could slot in a proper bowler in the second ODI.

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