Haris Rauf And...? Rizwan Likely To Drop These Players For 3rd T20I vs South Africa

Debashis Sarangi

Rizwan might drop the out-of-form Haris Rauf if Shaheen is fit [Source: AP]Rizwan might drop the out-of-form Haris Rauf if Shaheen is fit [Source: AP]

This evening, Pakistan will face South Africa in the final dead-rubber of the ongoing three-match away series. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the visitors have had a disastrous time in the T20I leg. 

After a narrow eleven-run defeat in the first T20I, the visitors had a forgettable outing in the subsequent match, failing to defend 206 on Centurion's batting-friendly pitch. So, with their respect at stake, Pakistan would be desperate to bring their A-game might make several changes to their playing XI for this encounter, as mentioned below. 

Haris Rauf

Why Will Pakistan Drop Haris Rauf?

  • Haris Rauf has also been struggling with poor form, as he hasn't scalped a single wicket in two consecutive matches. He has been smacked all over the park, with the Proteas collecting 98 runs off his eight overs. 
  • However, with Shaheen Afridi likely to be sidelined due to injury, Pakistan could be forced to persist with Rauf. On the contrary, if Shaheen is declared fit, Hasnain might come in place of Rauf. 

Usman Khan

Why Will Pakistan Drop Usman Khan?

  • Usman Khan has been pretty ordinary with the bat on this tour. Despite being given regular opportunities, Usman has managed only 232 runs in 16 outings at a horrendous average of 15.47. 
  • Furthermore, Usman has been a misfit at number four, managing only 83 runs at a miserable average of 11.86. So, given that he is struggling with poor form, Pakistan might consider replacing him with their vice-captain Agha Salman. 

The Curious Case Of Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi was incredible with the ball in the first T20I, scalping three crucial wickets in his four-over spell. However, the left-arm seamer went wicketless in the second game, conceding 37 runs. 

More importantly, Shaheen sustained an injury to his collar bone during the second T20I against South Africa in Centurion. Therefore, considering his importance for the team in international cricket, Pakistan might consider resting him for this dead-rubber. If he is rested, Mohammad Hasnain will take up his place in Pakistan's playing XI.