Masood To Drop Out-Of-Form Babar Azam? Pakistan's Strongest XI For 2nd Test vs WI



Babar Azam and Shan Masood [Source: @grassrootscric/X]Babar Azam and Shan Masood [Source: @grassrootscric/X]

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After securing an emphatic 127-run victory in the first Test, Pakistan are gearing up to take on West Indies in the decider of the ongoing two-match series on home soil. The much-awaited face-off will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan, Pakistan. 

The first game witnessed Pakistan's domination, as the hosts annihilated a depleted West Indies side. Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood were impressive with the bat on a rank turner, while Sajid Khan and Noman Ali rattled the visitors with their lethal spells. Thus, moving on to this match, West Indies would be desperate to bounce back, while the hosts would like to sustain their dream run and secure a clean sweep. 

Will Pakistan Drop Babar Azam For 2nd Test?

However, despite a clinical win in the series opener, Pakistan are still concerned by Babar Azam's poor form in Tests. Babar, who played a significant role for the visitors in South Africa, fell prey to West Indies' rampant bowling unit in the first Test. The stylish batter managed only 13 runs in two innings combined, extending his rough patch in home Tests. 

In his last ten Test innings at home, Babar has scored only 163 runs at a horrendous average of 16.30. However, considering Pakistan won the first Test convincingly, they will likely give Babar another opportunity to showcase his mettle in the red-ball format. Also, given that the hosts don't have quality backups to fill Babar's void, we expect them to persist with the Lahore-born cricketer despite his concerning numbers on home soil. 

Therefore, in all likelihood, skipper Shan Masood will open the batting with Mohammad Huraira, with Babar, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman following them in the lineup. 

Pakistan Likely To Go With An Unchanged Bowling Unit

Considering Pakistan's 'spin to win' formula has weaved magic in recent times, the hosts will likely prepare another dry and spin-friendly track for the second Test in Multan. Therefore, in all likelihood, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed will play as their three frontline spinners, with Khurram Shahzad being the solitary pacer. 

Pakistan's Strongest Playing XI For 2nd Test vs West Indies

Shan Masood (C), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed