Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Return; Pakistan's Probable XI For 1st ODI Vs South Africa
Babar, Shaheen back in Pakistan XI [Source: abubakartarar_/X.Com]
Pakistan came to South Africa on the back of a series win Vs Zimbabwe, but the side were outplayed in the T20Is as a depleted South African side won the series, 2-0. Pakistan were good in bits and pieces, but their weaknesses were exposed by the home side.
However, the Mohammad Rizwan led side won the ODIs in Australia, last month, and thus wll be confident of causing an upset in the upcoming 1st ODI, starting on December 17 at the Boland Park, Paarl.
A full-fledged Pakistan team came from behind to beat the Australian side, 2-1 in the ODIs. The Rizwan led side were brilliant in their approach, and that series win gave them confidence to beat the Zimbabwe side. In that series, the Men in Green missed their key players, but still managed to defeat the home side.
However, the players rested for the Zimbabwe series are back and Pakistan will form a formidable XI against the South African side.
Formidale pair of Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique to open
Saim Ayub, the latest Pakistan sensation has been on a roll recently and was successful in the ODIs Vs Zimbabwe, where he smashed the third quickest ODI ton by a Pakistan batter. He will be supported by the ever-reliant, Abdullah Shafique, who is known for his technical excellence.
Babar Azam returns to boost Pakistan
Babar Azam was rested for the Zimbabwe ODI series, and he returns back to the side for the South African series. Babar relishes playing in South African conditions and is going to be crucial for Pakistan's chances.
Captain/keeper, Mohammad Rizwan will be at number 4 and he will have a lot of responsibilities after a disappointing T20Is Vs South Africa. Kamran Ghulam, who replaced Babar in Zimbabwe ODI series will bat at 5, followed by Agha Salman.
Irfan Khan Niazi will be at number 7 as the Pakistan side have a formidable middle order to trouble the Proteas.
Shaheen makes a comeback to bolster the bowling
Just like Babar, Shaheen Afridi also missed the ODIs Vs Zimbabwe and will be back in the lineup. He will form a brilliant pace trio with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Abrar Ahmed will be the lone spinner as Pakistan will look to trouble the Proteas with their spin magic.
Pakistan probable XI Vs South Africa
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf