Saim to open, Babar Azam at 3; No Fakhar? Pakistan strongest XI for Tri-series T20I vs ZIM

Saim, Babar locked in; will Fakhar miss out? [Source: AFP]

On Tuesday, Pakistan will cross swords against Zimbabwe in the first match of the upcoming T20I tri-series on home soil. Led by Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan recently enjoyed stellar success in ODI cricket, swatting aside Sri Lanka by three-nil. While Agha Salman takes the leadership baton in T20Is, the Men in Green would like to put up an impactful performance and kickstart the Tri-Series with a win over the Chevrons. 

As Pakistan gear up for the tri-series opener, here's an in-depth analysis to find their most potent combination against Zimbabwe. But before that, let's have a look at the playing XI that they went with in their previous T20I fixture. 

Pakistan's playing XI in 3rd T20I vs SA

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

Sahibzada Farhan to play as WK, no room for Usman Khan?

The PCB recently unveiled Pakistan's squad for the T20I tri-series, announcing Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan as the wicketkeepers. 

Considering Usman Khan is primarily a top-order batter, it will be logical to use Farhan as the wicketkeeper-batter at the top order. In 30 T20I innings, Farhan has amassed 666 runs at a strike rate of 124, and he was Pakistan's most successful batter in the 2025 Asia Cup. 

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Saim, Babar to form Pakistan's batting core; will Fakhar Zaman sit out?

Saim Ayub has been a fantastic allrounder for Pakistan in recent times. Apart from scoring 108 runs at a superb strike rate of 150, Saim chipped in with two wickets in the South Africa T20Is. So, he should continue to open the batting with Farhan, while Babar Azam is a sure starter at number three, where he has struck 1245 T20I runs at an average of 44.46 and a strike rate of 127.17. 

Now the question arises, will Pakistan take the gamble of slotting Fakhar Zaman in the middle order? 

Pakistan's middle-order is still a work in progress. Captain Agha Salman has yet to convince the selectors with his batting mettle, while the dip in Hasan Nawaz's batting form has added to Pakistan's woes. In such a scenario, it could be a sensible move to trust Fakhar Zaman and assign him the enforcer's role in the middle overs. 

(Fakhar Zaman's T20I records by position)

As evidenced by the above stats, Fakhar Zaman has actually been a better performer at number four than at the top order. So, Pakistan can try him at that position to add quality and depth to their vulnerable middle order. 

Abdul Samad, Agha in middle order; Nawaz, Faheem to play as allrounders

(Mohammad Nawaz in T20Is in 2025)

Skipper Agha Salman will spearhead the middle-order, having clobbered 596 T20I runs at an average of 22.9. With Hasan Nawaz snubbed from the side, Abdul Samad should be given a chance to showcase his power-hitting skills as a finisher. Mohammad Nawaz, who is in the form of his life, should play as Pakistan's first-choice allrounder along with Faheem Ashraf. 

Shaheen Afridi to lead PAK bowling attack with Naseem and Abrar

Although Usman Tariq bowled beautifully, scalping two wickets for 26 runs on his T20I debut against South Africa, Pakistan could replace him with Abrar Ahmed as their frontline spinner for the series opener. In 24 T20Is, the mystery spinner has bagged 31 wickets at a magnificent economy of 6.77. 

Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are expected to lead the pace attack, having formed a deadly bowling pair over the years. Shaheen's ability to move the new ball at a rapid pace can make him a potent threat to Zimbabwe, while Naseem will likely play a crucial role for the hosts across three phases of the game. 

Pakistan's strongest XI for Tri-Series T20I vs Zimbabwe

Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

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