Haris Rauf Out, Rizwan To Drop Naseem Shah? Pakistan's Strongest XI For Tri-Series ODI vs SA

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah [Source: AP]

After suffering a disastrous defeat in the first ODI against New Zealand, Pakistan are set to face South Africa in their second match of the ongoing Tri-Series on home soil. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan had an ordinary start to the series, as the BlackCaps handed them a 78-run defeat. 

Considering it will be Pakistan's final game in the series, the hosts are in a do-or-die situation, as another defeat will result in their elimination. So, as the Men in Green prepare for this game, let's analyse and find out their strongest possible combination against South Africa. 

Who Will Replace Haris Rauf If He Is Ruled Out?

Pakistan's ace speedster Haris Rauf sustained a side strain during the first match of the series against New Zealand. The right-arm pacer couldn't complete his quota of overs, as he walked off the field with pain. 

According to emerging reports, although Rauf is feeling better, Pakistan might not take the risk of playing him against South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy. If that's the case, Mohammad Hasnain will likely replace the experienced pacer in Pakistan's playing XI. 

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Will Pakistan Drop Out-Of-Form Naseem Shah?

(Naseem Shah's ODI stats since January 2024)

Pakistan's premier pacer Naseem Shah hasn't been at his best in ODIs of late. Since January 2024, Naseem has played seven ODIs, scalping only ten wickets at a mediocre average of 36.8. Naseem looked a pale shadow of himself in the first game, conceding 70 runs in his ten-over spell. 

However, despite Naseem's unimpressive recent performances, Pakistan won't likely drop him if Haris Rauf sits out. As Naseem is one of their frontline pacers, the hosts would like to give him some game time before the Champions Trophy. 

The rest of Pakistan's playing XI will likely remain the same, with Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir and Agha Salman forming the batting core. Shaheen Afridi will lead the pace attack, while Abrar Ahmed will spearhead the spin bowling department. 

Pakistan's Strongest Playing XI For ODI Tri-Series Match vs SA

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain

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