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Saim Out, Fakhar In; Will Shaheen, Naseem Play? Pakistan's Probable Squad For ODI Tri-Series

Debashis Sarangi

Saim Ayub might be replaced by Fakhar [Source: @fakhar3939,@dhillow_/X]Saim Ayub might be replaced by Fakhar [Source: @fakhar3939,@dhillow_/X]

After securing a memorable three-nil win on South African soil, Pakistan are gearing up to face New Zealand and the Proteas in a Tri-Series on home soil. The Men in Green also thrashed West Indies in the first Test in Multan and are looking sublime ahead of the Champions Trophy. 

While every team has announced its Champions Trophy squad, Pakistan have yet to reveal their team for the marquee event. They fielded a robust side in the South Africa ODIs and their Champions Trophy squad could be picked on similar lines. 

It's worth mentioning that Pakistan will take on New Zealand and South Africa in a Tri-Series before the marquee ICC event. The home series will be their final dress rehearsal for the tournament, which they will host in February-March. 

As Pakistan prepare for the Champions Trophy, let's analyse and find out their probable squad for the Tri-Series at home. 

Will Pakistan Drop The Injured Saim Ayub And Out-Of-Form Shafique? 

Pakistan's in-form opener Saim Ayub has yet to recover from an ankle injury which he sustained during a Test match against South Africa. Therefore, although Pakistan are expected to keep Saim in their preliminary Champions Trophy squad, which can be modified on or before February 13, the southpaw might be ruled out for the Tri-Series starting on the eighth of next month. 

If Saim gets ruled out, Pakistan might recall explosive batter Fakhar Zaman and give him an opportunity to audition for the Champions Trophy. Abdullah Shafique, who looked vulnerable against the moving ball and registered three successive ducks in South Africa, might be replaced by Imam-ul-Haq, who recently received a recall into the Test side. 

Babar, Rizwan, Ghulam And Agha Salman Likely To Spearhead Pakistan's Batting

With Pakistan awaiting an update on Saim Ayub's fitness, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam are expected to be their key players in the Tri-Series. Tayyab Tahir, who has impressive numbers in the domestic circuit, might be selected as a specialist batter alongside Usman Khan. 

On the other hand, Agha Salman could be Pakistan's first-choice all-rounder, as he can chip in with few overs of handy off-spin apart from scoring crucial runs down the order. Irfan Khan Niazi, who failed miserably as an ODI batter, might lose his place to Aamir Jamal, as the latter can strengthen Pakistan's overall squad with his all-round attributes. 

Shaheen, Naseem, Rauf Likely To Lead Pakistan's Pace Battery

Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who are not a part of Pakistan's Test side against West Indies, will likely return for the Tri-Series. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain could be the other seamers in the team, with Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem playing as the two frontline spinners. 

Pakistan's Probable Squad For ODI Tri-Series 

Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Imam-ul-Haq/Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Agha Salman, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Aamir Jamal