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Haris Rauf Back; No Shaheen And Saim Ayub? Pakistan Probable XI For Asia Cup Match Vs UAE

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan lost 2nd Asia Cup match vs India [Source: AFP]Pakistan lost 2nd Asia Cup match vs India [Source: AFP]

Pakistan had a forgettable game against India in the Asia Cup, as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side crushed their arch-rivals by seven wickets at Dubai International Stadium. Led by Agha Salman, Pakistan have won one out of two matches and will face the United Arab Emirates in their final group-stage contest on September 17. 

Considering it is a must-win affair for Pakistan, the Men in Green might make a few notable changes to their lineup. As they gear up for the highly anticipated encounter, let's analyse and find out their probable combination for this match. Before that, here's a look at Pakistan's XI for the previous match against India. 

Pakistan's Playing XI For Asia Cup Match Vs India

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

Likely Changes In Pakistan XI For UAE Clash

Haris Rauf In; Shaheen or Faheem, whom will Pakistan drop?

Criterion
Data
Innings87
Wickets124
Average21.3
Strike Rate15.3
Economy8.35

(Haris Rauf has yet to play in Asia Cup despite impressive T20I numbers)

Experienced fast bowler Haris Rauf has missed two consecutive matches in the Asia Cup. Pakistan have preferred batting depth and spin prowess over specialist pacers, which is the reason why Shaheen Afridi has played as the solitary frontline seamer in the tournament so far. 

However, Haris Rauf is Pakistan's most successful T20I bowler, and given how Pakistan pacers have performed in his absence, it won't be surprising if the Men in Green bring him back for the do-or-die contest against the UAE. 

But considering the spinners have accounted for 61.53 per cent of the total wickets in Dubai in this Asia Cup, the Pakistani think tank won't likely bench either of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem. So, there could be a toss-up between Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf for the second seamer's role if Pakistan decide to recall Rauf. 

Will Shaheen Afridi's poor returns vs India lead to his axing?

Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi was hammered all around the park by Abhishek Sharma, conceding 23 runs in his two-over spell. However, the southpaw showcased his batting attributes, scoring 36 runs, including four huge sixes, off just 16 balls. 

Faheem, on the other hand, has managed only 19 runs in two outings at a horrible strike rate of 105.56 in the Asia Cup. He wasn't even given an over in the high-profile clash against India. So, with Shaheen contributing with the bat, Pakistan can allot him the number eight slot and replace Faheem with Rauf as the second seamer. 

Will Saim Ayub be axed after two consecutive ducks?

Another high-profile player who has been in the spotlight for all wrong reasons is Saim Ayub. The southpaw showcased excellent form in the T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies. However, he hasn't been able to replicate a similar success in the Asia Cup, recording consecutive ducks in the first two matches. 

But despite failing with the bat, Ayub has been impressive with the ball, with Pakistan using him as a potent weapon in the powerplay. He has got genuine assistance from the spin-friendly Dubai surface, scalping five wickets in two matches at an average of 8.6 and a superb strike rate of 7. 

So, considering his batting potential and excellent returns with the ball, Pakistan will likely persist with Saim, at least for the UAE clash. 

Pakistan's Probable XI For Asia Cup Match Vs UAE

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman (C), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed