Babar Demoted, Shaheen Replaced; Naseem Shah Dropped? Pakistan's Strongest XI For NZ ODIs

Pakistan will face NZ in 3 ODIs [Source: AP]

Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a robust 15-member squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. While Mohammad Rizwan was retained as the captain, senior players like Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq and Naseem Shah maintained their places despite Pakistan's group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy. 

Led by Rizwan, Pakistan will take on New Zealand in three ODIs after a five-match T20I series. As the Men in Green have revealed their squad, let's see what could be their strongest playing XI for the series. 

Why Should Babar Azam Be Demoted To No. 3?

(Babar Azam's record as opener and at 3 in ODIs)

Pakistan's decision to use Babar Azam as an opener backfired on them in the Champions Trophy. Babar, who has an incredible record at 3, managed only 87 runs at a poor strike rate of 75 in the showpiece event, and his modest returns were a primary reason behind Pakistan's abysmal performance. 

So, considering the star batter's recent failure as an opener, Pakistan should allow him to bat at his preferred number three position. They have two proper openers- Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique- to kickstart the proceedings for them. 

Imam has scored 3148 ODI runs at an average of 47.70 and a strike rate of 82.26. Meanwhile, Shafique has amassed 612 runs in 21 ODI innings at an average of 32.21 and a strike rate of 81.93. 

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Rizwan, Salman Should Spearhead Pakistan's Middle Order

(ODI records of Rizwan, Salman and Tayyab)

As evidenced by the above stats, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman have been Pakistan's mainstays at four and five in the middle order. So, ideally, these two players should bat at these positions, with Tayyab Tahir and Khushdil Shah following them. 

Khushdil performed admirably in the Champions Trophy, scoring 107 runs at an average of 53.50 and a blistering strike rate of 121.59. So, he should be trusted for the finisher's role at number seven. 

Will Pakistan Drop Naseem Shah?

Naseem Shah had a forgettable Champions Trophy campaign, scalping only two wickets at a horrible average of 50 and a strike rate of 54. However, despite his ordinary returns, Pakistan kept him in their ODI team, excluding Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf instead. 

As Pakistan have limited quality options, Naseem should be included in their first-choice playing XI against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Mohammad Wasim Jr should replace Shaheen as the second frontline pacer, having scalped 34 wickets in 20 ODIs at an average of 25.2 and a strike rate of 28.3. 

Mohammad Ali Should Play Over Akif Javed

There could be a toss-up between Akif Javed and Mohammad Ali for the third seamer's role. However, Mohammad Ali should be preferred over Akif for his experience and superior stats in List-A cricket. 

(Stats of Akif and Ali in List-A cricket)

Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed has been Pakistan's first-choice spinner in ODIs and should remain so for the New Zealand series. In nine ODIs, Abrar has bagged 15 wickets at an average of 26.9 and a strike rate of 34.4. 

Pakistan's Strongest XI For New Zealand ODIs

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali,  Abrar Ahmed

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