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Saim Ayub To Open With Rizwan; Where Will Babar Azam Bat? Pakistan's Strongest XI For SA T20Is

Rajgeeta Yadav

Babar Azam with Mohammad Rizwan [Source: @Vipintiwari952/X.com]Babar Azam with Mohammad Rizwan [Source: @Vipintiwari952/X.com]

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squads for their all-format series against South Africa. The tour includes three T20Is, as many ODIs and two Tests. Notably, star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have made their way back into all three squads, while Shaheen Afridi has been included only in ODIs and T20Is to manage his workload.

The first T20I is set to take place on December 10 at Kingsmead, Durban. Here’s a look at Pakistan’s potential strongest XI for this exciting series against the Proteas.

Top Order: Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam

The captain and a consistent performer, Mohammad Rizwan, is set to lead the side from the front. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset. Along with Rizwan, Saim Ayub will open and the young opener has been in fantastic form. Ayub’s aggressive batting style can provide Pakistan with quick starts.

At the number three, Babar Azam, one of the world’s best batters, will take make sure to set the tone. His calm presence and exceptional record in this position make him indispensable to the lineup.

Middle Order: Usman Khan, Agha Salman, Muhammad Irfan Khan

Usman Khan, who is in red-hot form, will likely to bat at number four. His ability to stabilise the innings and play impactful strokes makes him a key player in the middle order. Followed by Agha Salman, who brings versatility to the lineup and offers steady batting and part-time off-spin, which could be useful on South African pitches.

Muhammad Irfan Khan is expected to take up the finisher’s role. Known for his big-hitting abilities, he can add quick runs during the death overs.

Strong Pace Department

Abbas Afridi is a handy lower-order batter and a promising fast bowler. He can provide much-needed depth to the batting lineup while delivering crucial overs with the ball. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi will lead the bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds makes him a nightmare for any batting lineup.

Haris Rauf is in sensational form, and he will support Shaheen in the pace department. His middle and death-over bowling has been a game-changer for Pakistan in recent matches. Sufiyan Muqeem has been Pakistan’s standout bowler in recent games, taking eight wickets in two innings in the ongoing Zimbabwe tour with an economy rate of just 3.45. His form makes him a reliable choice.

Completing the bowling lineup, Mohammad Hasnain adds pace and aggression. His ability to generate bounce on South African pitches will be an advantage.

Pakistan's Strongest XI for 1st T20I vs South Africa

Mohammad Rizwan (C), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Agha Salman, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Hasnain