Babar Demoted, Naseem Shah Dropped? Pakistan's Probable XI For 1st ODI Vs NZ

Anurag Dasgupta

Pakistan predicted XI Vs NZ [Source: AP Photo] Pakistan predicted XI Vs NZ [Source: AP Photo]

Pakistan were crushed in the T20I series against New Zealand and were outplayed in all three departments of the game. Now, the caravan will shift towards the ODIs as the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will be back in the side after being sidelined in the T20I series.

The Pakistan team also had a disastrous Champions Trophy campaign, getting knocked out in the group stage, and the series provides a great chance for the Men in Green to redeem themselves in the 50-over format.

Ahead of the 1st ODI, we look at Pakistan's probable XI vs New Zealand with one of the star pacers likely to sit out of the clash.

Babar demoted to number 3, new opening pair for Pakistan?

In the Champions Trophy, Babar Azam batted at the opening slot since Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were injured. However, the moved failed big time as Babar couldn't do much in that position. For the ODIs Vs the Kiwis, the team already has Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique as designated openers and Babar should be demoted to his usual number 3 spot.

Criterion
Data
Matches104
Runs5416
Average60.18
50s/100s29/19

(Babar Azam stats at number 3)

Babar Azam has terrific numbers at one down and the stats tell the entire story. He has 5416 runs, at an average of 60, with all of his ODI hundreds coming in at that position. So, woth Imam and Shafique in the side, Pakistan's best batter should bat at 3.

A weak middle order on the cards?

Apart from the experienced Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, the other two batters in the middle order are less experienced and could get exposed against the Kiwi bowlers. In Khushdil Shah and possibly Tayyab Tahir, Pakistan don't have a reliable batting options, but these two are the best bets of the team in that position with doubts over Faheem Ashraf.'

No place for Naseem Shah?

Naseem Shah had a disastrous Champions Trophy performance and was also underwhelming in the tri-nation series Vs New Zealand and South Africa. With the inclusion of Haris Rauf at the last moment in the squad, the question arises, does Naseem deserve a place?.

Criterion
Data
Matches2
Dismissals2
Average50.00
Economy5.56

(Naseem Shah stats in Champions Trophy)

An average of 50 and just 2 wickets to showcase, Naseem Shah clearly looked undercooked in the Champions Trophy and was not included in the T20Is Vs the Kiwis. However, the Pakistan side have the likes of Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Mohammad Ali in the side and they should lead the bowling attack in place of Naseem.

Sufiyan Muqeem over Abrar Ahmed?

Sufiyan Muqeem warmed the bench for the T20Is, but only played in the last game and ran riot with the ball. On the other hand, Abrar Ahmed flopped badly and was taken to the cleaners. Clearly, the Kiwis struggled to pick Sufiyan's variation and he should lead the spin department.

Pakistan's probable XI Vs New Zealand

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem