Haris Rauf back; Will Babar Azam sit out? Pakistan's strongest XI for 3rd ODI vs SA

Babar Azam's place in threat, Shaheen should bring Rauf back [Source: AFP]

South Africa made a remarkable comeback in the ODI series against Pakistan, defeating the hosts by eight wickets. After losing the thrilling series opener by two wickets, the visitors had a memorable day on the field on Thursday, swatting aside the home team comfortably, riding on Quinton de Kock's scintillating century. 

The third ODI at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad holds significant importance for both sides, with the scoreline reading one-all. As Pakistan aim to secure a series win on home soil, let's analyse and find out what went wrong for them in the previous match and predict their team changes for the decider. Before that, here's a look at Pakistan's playing XI for the second ODI, which they lost by eight wickets. 

Pakistan's playing XI for 2nd ODI vs SA

Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah 

Will Pakistan drop Babar Azam?

(Babar Azam's record in ODIs)

• As evidenced by the above stats, Babar Azam has been far from his best in ODIs this year. In 13 ODIs, the stylish right-hander has managed 352 runs at an average of 27.08. 
• Babar Azam has registered two consecutive failures in the ongoing South Africa ODIs. He departed for just seven runs during Pakistan's run chase in the first match before Nandre Burger got him for eleven in the subsequent clash. 
• These facts and records suggest that Babar Azam is struggling with poor form in ODIs. His persistent lean patch has raised serious questions over his place, though he has presented a strong case for his retention in Pakistan's T20I squad. 
• That said, Pakistan might still give Babar a chance to prove his mettle, considering his past exploits for the side. Additionally, the Men in Green don't have too many quality batting options whom they can try as Babar's replacement. So, as the series is on the line, Babar Azam could get another opportunity in the final match. 

Haris Rauf in; Mohammad Wasim Jr out

• Ace speedster Haris Rauf has served his two-match ban that the ICC imposed on him after finding him guilty of breaching article 2.21 of the code of conduct. So, he is now eligible for selection and Pakistan should bring Rauf back into their XI for the must-win third ODI against South Africa. 
• While Naseem Shah is likely to play as the new-ball bowler with Shaheen Afridi, Rauf's extra pace gives him an edge over Mohammad Wasim Jr, who looked ordinary in the second ODI. In his eight overs, Wasim Jr conceded 48 runs while picking up a solitary wicket. 
• Rauf is one of Pakistan's most reputed bowlers, having bagged 88 wickets in just 50 ODI appearances. Being someone who can hit the deck at pace, Rauf will add variety to Pakistan's fast bowling department. Furthermore, the trio of Naseem, Shaheen and Haris forms Pakistan's first-choice ODI pace department, which is why the hosts should back them for the ultimate encounter of the series. 

Why Pakistan should bring Abrar Ahmed back in place of Faheem Ashraf

• Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan's second-most successful bowler in the first ODI against South Africa, scalping three crucial wickets. 
• Pakistan's decision to drop Abrar and bring Faheem Ashraf to ensure batting depth proved costly for them in the second match. Although Faheem contributed 28 runs with the bat, the hosts' bowling department lacked bite, managing just two wickets in 40.1 overs. 
• Abrar was a major reason why the home team reduced the Proteas to 263 in the first ODI. In his absence, Pakistan's spin unit looked toothless, registering miserable figures of none for 83 in just 10.1 overs. So, his comeback can certainly strengthen Pakistan's bowling attack for the third ODI. Also, as Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah can chip in with fiery cameos, Pakistan don't really need Faheem Ashraf's batting expertise at number eight. Instead, they should pick Abrar and boost their bowling unit to keep the South Africans under the pump. 

Pakistan's strongest XI for 3rd ODI vs SA

Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (C), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

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