Pakistan cricket team (Source: AP Photos)
The high-octane final between Pakistan and New Zealand is all set to take place at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, 14 February. In the Tri- nation series, the Kiwis have emerged as the top-team, with the home-team trailing behind them.
Despite a dominating performance in the 3rd ODI and Pakistan completing their highest successful chase in the 50-over format, it has still brought up some serious questions over the form of certain players and whether or not their inclusion is adding to the team.
On that note, in this article, let us take a look at Pakistan's probable XI for the upcoming clash against New Zealand:
Will Pakistan reconsider Babar Azam's batting position?
Babar Azam's stats as opener in ODIs
| Innings | Runs | Average | Highest score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 59 | 14.75 | 23 |
Pakistan have been trying too hard to meddle with Babar Azam and his batting position. Despite enjoying to bat at No.3 where the star batter boasts a mammoth of 5416 runs from 104 innings at an average of 60.18, his promotion to the opening spot has not done any good for the team so far. In the four innings, he has recently opened for Pakistan, he has a low-average of 14.75 and managed to accumulate only 59 runs.
This highlights Pakistan's failed effort to fit Babar Azam as an opener despite being adamant on using him at the top. If Pakistan would have had a plan B, the Men In Green would have implemented it till now since, its their last game before the Champions Trophy. So most probably, they will give Babar another chance as opener in the upcoming game in spite of his poor run.
Saud Shakeel vs Kamran Ghulam: Who will get a chance at 3?
Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam's stats in ODIs
| Player | Innings | Average | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saud Shakeel | 13 | 27.67 | 332 |
| Kamran Ghulam | 7 | 30 | 210 |
In ODIs, Saud Shakeel has played 13 innings, scoring 332 runs at an average of 27.67. Meanwhile, Kamran Ghulam has featured in 7 innings, accumulating 210 runs at a higher average of 30.
For the No. 3 spot, Pakistan would be making a choice between Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam. Since, the two have had a similar run in ODIs, Rizwan-led side would come down to simply who they trust more.
.jpg?type=mq)
Rizwan And Agha Salman: Pakistan's key players in middle order
| Position | Player | Runs | Average/SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Mohammad Rizwan | 1844 | 51.22/89.43 |
| 5 | Agha Salman | 467 | 42.45/99.36 |
(ODI stats of Rizwan and Agha Salman at 4 and 5)
Following this, captain Mohd. Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir and Khushdil Shah will likely follow, respectively. So far, Tahir has not done anything wrong and hence in the upcoming game, he won't likely be dropped.
On the other hand, Khushdil is getting backed by the team as a spin all-rounder, since Saim Ayub is injured. In the previous game, we saw him perform decently and hence he will likely retain his place.
Naseem, Hasnain To Get Another Chance?
| Player | Innings | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 2 | 5 |
| Naseem Shah | 2 | 1 |
| Mohd. Hasnain | 1 | 0 |
(Stats Of Pakistan Bowlers In Tri-Series)
Meanwhile, on the bowling front, the line-up including Shaheen Afridi ,Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed and Mohd. Hasnain will likely remain unchanged. Both Naseem and Hasnain were major let downs in the last game conceding an alarming amount of runs.
But considering the lack of variety and options to choose from, the team's bowling unit will likely remain the same and Afridi would have to do the heavy lifting once again.
Pakistan's probable XI for Tri-Series final vs SA
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel/Kamran Ghulam, Mohd. Rizwan, Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohd. Hasnain
.jpg?type=mq)
 "Muskaan Bhatt")
