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Babar To Open With Saim; Rauf Out? 3 Potential Changes In Pakistan's Champions Trophy XI

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Jan 15 2025, 10:42 AM

Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Haris Rauf [Source: AP]Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Haris Rauf [Source: AP]

Mohammad Rizwan's leadership has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Pakistan Cricket, as the experienced batter has led them to clinical ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa. The Men in Green are high on confidence following their emphatic clean sweep against the Proteas and would like to put up a memorable performance in the Champions Trophy. 

However, although their ODI setup looks sorted, there are still questions about several players who have been unimpressive of late. So, as they gear up for the Champions Trophy, here are three key changes they might consider bringing to their first-choice ODI XI. 

Abdullah Shafique Out, Babar To Open With Saim?

  • Despite being a talented batter, Abdullah Shafique failed to live up to the expectations in 2024. The right-handed batter looked horribly out of form, scoring only 370 runs at a miserable average of 20.55 in international cricket last year. 
  • So, considering his rough patch, Pakistan dropped Shafique from Tests, replacing him with skipper Shan Masood at the top order. Furthermore, Shafique's vulnerability against the moving ball has emerged as a serious concern for the Pakistan team management. 
  • Therefore, the Men in Green might not pick him in their first-choice playing XI for the Champions Trophy, with Babar Azam replacing him as the opener. If it happens, someone like Tayyab Tahir could be added to the lineup in order to boost Pakistan's middle order. 

Haris Rauf To Lose His Place In ODI Team?

  • Pakistan's premier speedster Haris Rauf has been underwhelming in ODIs of late. Despite being given a long rope, Rauf was countered effectively on batting-friendly tracks of South Africa and Zimbabwe. 
  • In his last five ODI outings, Rauf has bagged only three wickets at a horrible average of 57. So, if he doesn't regain his mojo in the upcoming tri-series at home, Rauf could be excluded from the Champions Trophy XI, with one of Mohammad Hasnain and Abbas Afridi replacing him. 

Irfan Khan Out, Aamir Jamal In?

  • Dynamic lower middle-order batter Irfan Khan Niazi has been nothing short of a disappointment in ODI cricket. 
  • The right-handed batter has amassed only 48 runs at a horrendous average of 9.60 in eight ODI outings. Therefore, considering his modest returns, Pakistan might drop him from their Champions Trophy XI, replacing him with bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal. 
  • Jamal, who can chip in with a few overs of medium pace, is known for his ability to hit a long ball. His clean-striking ability could be a boon for Pakistan in the death overs.