Rizwan To Drop Naseem Shah? Pakistan's Probable XI For 3rd ODI Vs Australia

Muskaan Bhatt∙ Updated: Nov 9 2024, 12:00 PM | 3 Min Read

Pakistan's Naseem Shah [Source: @muhammadaatif85/X]

All eyes are on Pakistan and Australia as they meet with one another in the third and final ODI of the first leg of their series at the Perth Stadium on 10 November, Sunday from 9 AM IST. Both the teams have one win each and hence would be giving it their all in this crucial game.

Saim Ayub-Abdullah Shafique Do It For Pakistan 

After a thumping nine-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI, Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan would be on cloud nine. In the first innings it was Haris Rauf's phenomenal fifer, then the opening partnership of 137 runs between Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique was enough to humble the Aussies, who are a tough nut to crack on a good day. 

Despite losing a wicket in the near-end phase of the game, Pakistan's ex-captain Babar Azam took charge and ended things with a cracking six at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Even in the first Test match, Babar was the second highest run-scorer after Mohammad Rizwan, who was dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne after scoring 44 runs. 

Moreover, in spite of having a forgetful debut Saim Ayub redeemed himself efficiently in the second ODI. The first ODI clash also witnessed brilliant cameos by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. 

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Looking at the team's playing XI, on the batting side it is highly unlikely that any changes would be made however on the bowling front there is one considerable change that can be made ahead of the do-or-die clash. 

Pakistan's young speedster Naseem Shah could be rested for the upcoming clash. Despite being fruitful with the bat, the 21-year-old pacer has lacked the magic with the ball. In the first ODI, he picked up only one wicket by giving away 39 runs. 

In the same game, Naseem, who's very prone to injury, also twisted his ankle and left the field. Fans wondered whether he would make a return and much to their liking he did. However, even at the MCG, he failed to create something extraordinary as he scalped just one wicket by giving 65 runs away.

Rizwan could opt to rest Naseem, especially considering the upcoming hectic schedule. In his place however, Aamer Jamal could be included in the team's playing XI, especially considering the captain's desire to experiment throughout the series and find the perfect combination.

Pakistan's probable XI for 3rd ODI

Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Agha Salman (vc), Irfan Khan Niazi, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Afridi

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