Naseem back for Wasim Jr; Will Shaheen Afridi play? PAK probable XI for T20I tri-series final vs SL

Pakistan will take on SL in the final [Source: AFP]

On Saturday, Pakistan will cross swords against Sri Lanka in the final of the ongoing T20I tri-series at home. Led by Agha Salman, Pakistan have been remarkable in the competition, winning three out of their four group-stage matches. 

However, the Men in Green lost their final match of the first round, coincidentally against Sri Lanka, a team they will face in the final. So, as Pakistan prepare for the mega clash, let's analyse and find out their probable combination for this match. 

Babar Azam, Saim Ayub to get another chance despite poor run

(Saim Ayub and Babar Azam have flopped in Tri-Series)

• As evidenced by the above stats, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub haven't had the best of the times with the bat in the T20I tri-series. While Ayub has managed just 82 runs at an ordinary average of 20.50, Babar Azam, despite scoring 74 against Zimbabwe, averages only 22.50 while striking at an abysmal rate of 113.92. 
• In fact, Babar Azam has registered two ducks in four outings in the tri-series. That said, Pakistan might still persist with Saim and Babar for this game as they don't have a specialist batter apart from the out-of-form Hasan Nawaz in their squad. 

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Salman Agha to spearhead PAK middle order with Fakhar, Usman and Nawaz

(Batting records of PAK mainstays in middle order)

• Agha Salman recently smashed a blistering 63* against Sri Lanka. The skipper will play a key role for Pakistan in the middle order alongside the experienced duo of Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz, who have struck at exceptional rates of 160 and 162.50, respectively, in the tri-series. 
• Besides chipping in with handy cameos, Nawaz has been Pakistan's wrecker-in-chief with the ball, scalping seven wickets in four innings. Meanwhile, keeper-batter Usman Khan has also showcased consistency and will be a threat to the Lankan bowling unit. 

Naseem Shah in for Wasim Jr; will Shaheen be back?

• Mohammad Wasim Jr has struggled to get going with the ball, managing a solitary wicket at a modest economy of 7.58 in the tri-series. So, as Pakistan aim to win the final, they might bring Naseem Shah back for the all-important clash in Rawalpindi. 
• Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed, who replaced Usman Tariq in the previous game, might retain his place after registering impressive figures of two for 28 in his four overs. 
• Talking about Shaheen Afridi, the ace speedster has missed a couple of games due to foot injury. If he receives fitness clearance, Shaheen might come in place of Salman Mirza, who also offers Pakistan a left-arm seam option. 

Pakistan probable XI for T20I tri-series final vs Sri Lanka

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (C), Usman Khan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi (If not fit then Salman Mirza), Abrar Ahmed

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