Naseem Shah back, Fakhar Zaman and Rauf dropped? PAK probable XI for 1st ODI vs SL

Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman [Source: AFP]

On Saturday, Pakistan had a clinical day on the field, as they swatted aside South Africa comfortably by seven wickets to seal the three-match home series by 2-1. Under Shaheen Afridi's leadership, Pakistan are riding high on confidence and gearing up for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at home. 

The decider against South Africa witnessed Pakistan's dominance, as the hosts comprehensively outclassed the visitors en route to a landslide victory. As they prepare for the Lankan challenge, here we analyse to find out their probable combination for the series opener at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 11. 

Pakistan's XI for 3rd ODI vs SA

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

Naseem Shah might get in as Haris Rauf's replacement

Experienced fast bowler Naseem Shah played the first two ODIs against South Africa before Pakistan rested him for the decider. The 22-year-old was impressive with the ball, particularly in the first ODI, where he bagged three wickets for 40 runs in 9.1 overs, thereby playing a vital role in Pakistan's thrilling victory. 

However, with Pakistan resting him for the decider, Haris Rauf marked his ODI return, going wicketless for 17 runs in three overs. Considering Pakistan would like to gain an upper hand over Sri Lanka by winning the series opener, they are likely to field their best combination and hence decide to draft Naseem back into the XI. 

Naseem forms a lethal fast bowling duo with captain Shaheen Afridi, and these two speedsters can certainly challenge the Lankan batters with searing pace and movement. In such a scenario, there could be a toss-up between Faheem Ashraf and Haris Rauf for the third seamer's role, and the former might pip the latter due to his all-round attributes. 

Will Fakhar Zaman be dropped after 2 ducks vs SA?

(Fakhar Zaman didn't have a great time in PAK vs SA ODIs)

• Fakhar Zaman had a decent start to the ODI series against South Africa, scoring a crucial 45 runs in the first match. However, his form dipped as the series progressed, as he registered consecutive ducks in the subsequent matches. 
• The swashbuckling batter hasn't been at his absolute best in ODIs this year, amassing 204 runs at a modest average of 29.14. That said, Pakistan might still persist with Fakhar and allow him to open the batting with Saim Ayub, as they don't have a quality backup opening option among the reserves. Although Haseebullah Khan is in the team, he might have to wait for his chances, with Fakhar likely to get the first preference after Pakistan's series win over South Africa. 

Babar likely to get a few more games; Abrar, Saim and Salman to form Pakistan's core team

(Saim, Salman and Abrar in PAK vs SA ODIs)

Just like Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam also disappointed Pakistan in the ODI series against South Africa, scoring 45 runs across three innings. So, the upcoming Sri Lanka series will be a golden opportunity for him to regain his mojo and silence his critics. 

Recently, Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson expressed satisfaction over Babar's overall performance against South Africa across formats, which means the Lahore-born cricketer will get a few more opportunities against Sri Lanka to revive his sinking ODI career. 

On the other hand, Saim Ayub and Agha Salman, having performed exceptionally against South Africa, are expected to continue as Pakistan's spin allrounders along with Mohammad Nawaz. Abrar Ahmed, who bagged seven wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the decider, across two innings, will play as the frontline spinner. 

Pakistan's probable XI for 1st ODI vs SL

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

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