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Fakhar Zaman And...? 3 Players Who Can Replace Abdullah Shafique In Pakistan's ODI Team

Debashis Sarangi

Fakhar Zaman could replace Shafique [Source: AP, @MisranAhmad19/X]Fakhar Zaman could replace Shafique [Source: AP, @MisranAhmad19/X]

Pakistan's experienced opener Abdullah Shafique had a dreadful series in South Africa, registering three ducks on the trot. The stylish right-handed batter, who looked comfortable against the Australian pacers, had no answers to Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, as he couldn't even open his account on three successive occasions. 

So, considering Shafique's vulnerability and poor recent form, Pakistan might decide to drop the batter and replace him with another impactful player in the top order. In such a scenario, here are three front-runners who could be drafted into Pakistan's ODI setup as his replacement. 

Fakhar Zaman

  • The explosive left-handed batter is known for his extraordinary stroke play in white-ball cricket. Fakhar Zaman has been a valuable asset for Pakistan in ODIs, amassing 3492 runs at an average of 46.56 and a blistering strike rate of 93.44. 
  • The experienced batter is an incredible player of pace and spin, and he can form a more dynamic opening pair with the flamboyant Saim Ayub. Fakhar Zaman's intent makes him a genuine threat to the opposition, and considering Pakistan have Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman to anchor the innings, they can afford a more dynamic option at the top order. 

Sahibzada Farhan

  • Pakistan's young top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan is hailed for his flamboyant stroke-play. In 72 List-A appearances, Farhan has struck 2926 runs at an impressive average of 41.80 and a strike rate of 85.85. 
  • He is a consistent performer in the domestic circuit, and if Shafique doesn't regain his form in the upcoming games, Pakistan might consider dropping him and rewarding Farhan with an ODI call-up. 

Babar Azam

  • In a surprising move, Pakistan might promote veteran batter Babar Azam to the opening spot, as he can form a reliable opening pair with Saim Ayub. 
  • Babar Azam has the experience of opening the batting in white-ball cricket and can anchor the innings with utmost perfection. Pakistan have Kamran Ghulam to replace him at number three, as the batter struck a belligerent century against Zimbabwe at that position. 
  • Furthermore, Pakistan will get a chance to bring in a dynamic finisher lower down the order by assigning Babar the opening role.