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Shaheen In; Rizwan To Drop Naseem? Pakistan's Probable Bowling Unit For Champions Trophy



Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah [Source: @dhillow_, @SPORTYVISHAL/X]Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah [Source: @dhillow_, @SPORTYVISHAL/X]

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After a historic ODI series triumph on South African soil, Pakistan are getting ready for the all-important ICC Champions Trophy. The hosts have yet to announce their squad for the marquee event, which they will host in February-March this year. 

Pakistan are placed in Group A along with India, Bangladesh and New Zealand. After taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener, the Men in Green will clash with their arch-rivals India and Bangladesh in their subsequent matches. 

Considering they will lock horns with three formidable white-ball units, Pakistan must pick a strong bowling department for the marquee event. As the hosts gear up for the Champions Trophy, let's analyse and find out their potential bowling combination. 

Shaheen Afridi To Return, Will Rizwan Drop Naseem Shah?

Ace speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi will likely spearhead Pakistan's bowling department in the Champions Trophy. In 59 ODI matches, Afridi has scalped 119 wickets at an average of 23.1 and a strike rate of 25.3. Apart from making the new ball talk, Afridi can trouble the batters with his variations and pinpoint yorkers in the slog overs. 

However, Naseem Shah's recent ODI form is definitely a concern for Pakistan as they get ready for the Champions Trophy. 

Naseem, who enjoyed stellar success as an ODI bowler in 2023, experienced a downfall last year, managing only ten wickets at an ordinary average of 29.80. His strike rate increased from 24.50 to 29.70, while he conceded runs at an abysmal economy rate of 6.02 in six ODIs last year. 

These numbers suggest a definite decline in his wicket-taking ability. However, given that Pakistan haven't groomed a backup for him, Naseem will likely be a part of Pakistan's bowling unit, at least in the initial matches of the tournament. 

Haris Rauf vs Mohammad Hasnain: Who Will Be The 3rd Pacer?

Regarded for his ability to operate at a rapid pace, Haris Rauf will likely be Pakistan's third pacer in the Champions Trophy. In 45 innings, Rauf has bagged 82 ODI wickets at a magnificent strike rate of 26.6. He was recently impressive in the away series against Australia and will likely pip Hasnain, who could be among the reserves for the showpiece event. 

Abrar, Muqeem To Lead Pakistan's Spin Department

The wily duo of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem is the frontrunner to spearhead Pakistan's spin department in the Champions Trophy. These bowlers have been exceptional in white-ball cricket of late, outfoxing the batters with their guile in the middle overs. Agha Salman will play as Pakistan's first-choice all-rounder and assist these two bowlers with his off-spin bowling. 

Abbas Afridi and Aamir Jamal are two seamers who might get a wild card entry into Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad due to their multidimensional game. 

Pakistan's Probable Bowling Unit For Champions Trophy

Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abbas Afridi/Aamir Jamal