Naseem Back For Shaheen, Babar Azam Dropped? PAK Probable XI For 3rd ODI vs WI

Pakistan will take on WI in 3rd ODI on Tuesday [Source: AFP]

Pakistan had a forgettable game in the second ODI against the West Indies as the hosts restored parity in the series by securing a five-wicket win. The rain-affected clash saw Pakistan post 171 runs in 37 overs before Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase hammered quick-fire knocks under pressure, helping the Caribbean side get past the finish line. 

With the series on the line, Pakistan would be desperate to bounce back and swat aside the hosts in the final scheduled for Tuesday. Ahead of the much-anticipated affair, let's analyse and find out the potential changes in Pakistan's playing XI for this game. 

Pakistan Playing XI for 2nd ODI vs WI

Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Agha Salman, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed

Probable Changes In Pakistan's XI for 3rd ODI

Naseem Shah In, Shaheen Afridi Out

• Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi bowled magnificently in the first ODI against the West Indies, scalping three and four wickets, respectively. However, the visitors replaced Naseem with Hasan Ali, who bagged the crucial wickets of Brandon King and Evin Lewis in the second game. 
• Pakistan have used their seamers on a rotational basis in order to ensure proper game time for them ahead of the Asia Cup. Also, the latest reports have claimed that the Men in Green will likely rest Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf for the upcoming Tri-Series in the UAE. 
• In such a scenario, it won't be surprising if the visiting team management decides to replace Shaheen, who has already played two matches, with Naseem, who was rested for the last match. 

Will Babar Azam Be Benched After Duck In 2nd ODI?

(Babar Azam's mediocre numbers in WI ODIs)

• Experienced batter Babar Azam has blown hot and cold in the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies. The stylish right-hander struck a patient 47-run knock in the first match before being dismissed for a duck in the subsequent encounter. 
• Considering Babar Azam has been troubled by the West Indies' disciplined bowling attack, fans would expect Pakistan to drop him for the all-important decider. However, it's worth mentioning that Pakistan have two batters in reserves, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Haris, neither of whom gives enough confidence as a dependable batter to replace a player of Babar's calibre. 
• Babar Azam bats at number three; however, Khushdil is a finisher and, therefore, he is unlikely to come in as the former's replacement. Meanwhile, Mohammad Haris has managed just 30 runs at a horrendous average of 7.5 in five ODI innings. So, it actually doesn't make sense to include him as Babar's replacement despite him being an explosive top-order player. 
• Therefore, in all likelihood, Babar Azam will get another opportunity to prove his mettle and present a strong case for his inclusion in Pakistan's Asia Cup squad. 

The Curious Case of Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed

• Just like their pacers, Pakistan have rotated their spinners - Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem - in the West Indies ODIs. With Abrar performing admirably in the last game (1 for 23 in 7 overs), it's unlikely that Pakistan will bring Muqeem back into their playing XI and form a spin-heavy bowling unit. 
• Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz bowled beautifully in the second game and might retain his place for the deciding clash. The left-arm spinner has been phenomenal on the tour, scalping nine wickets in four matches across formats. Considering it's a do-or-die encounter for Pakistan, they will likely persist with the in-form spinner. 

Pakistan's Probable XI For 3rd ODI vs WI

Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Agha Salman, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

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