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Fakhar To Open, Rauf Back? Playing XI Changes Pakistan Should Make For 3rd T20I vs WI

Debashis Sarangi

Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf in action [Source: AFP]Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf in action [Source: AFP]

Pakistan had a forgettable outing in the second T20I against West Indies as the hosts pipped them by two wickets in a thrilling contest. Batting first, Pakistan posted a paltry score of 133 runs, while West Indies chased the target successfully in the very last ball, riding on Jason Holder's batting heroics. 

With the scoreline reading one-all, Pakistan would be desperate to change their fortunes and clinch the series by winning the final T20I. As the stage is set for a riveting clash, here are some changes that Pakistan should make for the decider. 

Why Should Fakhar Zaman Replace Sahibzada Farhan As Opener?

Criterion
Data
Innings2
Runs17
Average8.5
SR89.47

(Sahibzada Farhan vs WI on this tour)

  • Farhan's Underwhelming form: Sahibzada Farhan has struggled to get going in the West Indies T20Is. The batter, who looked sublime against Bangladesh, has managed only 17 runs across two outings. Considering the West Indies fast bowlers have exposed his technical woes, Pakistan should rest him for the all-important decider. 
  • Fakhar has a better record as an opener: Pakistan have used Fakhar Zaman as their number three batter in the West Indies T20Is. However, Fakhar has been more successful as an opener than a number three batter in T20Is. He has opened the batting in 39 innings, scoring 865 runs at a strike rate of 134.74, which is much higher than that of 117.27 at number three. He is one of those batters who can capitalise on the powerplay field restrictions. Therefore, Fakhar should be the ideal man to open the batting with Saim Ayub in the final T20I. 

Neither Haris, Nor Hasan; Abrar Should Play 3rd T20I

  • Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali have had a torrid time with the ball in the West Indies T20Is. Rauf went wicketless for 41 runs in the first T20I, whereas Hasan Ali was hammered for 48 runs, without providing a breakthrough, in the subsequent match. 
  • Meanwhile, the surface in Florida has assisted the spinners to a great extent. The spinners have bagged 17 out of 29 wickets, posing a significant threat to the batters in this series. 
  • As the series is on the line, Pakistan should adopt an aggressive route and bring Abrar Ahmed as a replacement for Hasan Ali in the final T20I. In 14 matches, Abrar has bagged 17 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 16.1. 
  • Pakistan have a left-arm wrist spinner in Sufiyan Muqeem, two excellent finger-spin options in Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz. Therefore, Abrar, being a mystery spinner, can empower them with an all-out spin attack to counter West Indies' power-hitters. 
  • If Farhan is axed, Khushdil Shah should make his way back into the playing XI. Besides being a flamboyant stroke-maker, Khushdil can offer a handy left-arm off-spin option as well. 

Pakistan's Strongest Playing XI For 3rd T20I vs WI

Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (WK), Agha Salman, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem