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Usman In, Babar Azam Demoted? Pakistan's Probable Major Changes For Tri-Series ODI vs SA

Debashis Sarangi

Usman Khan and Babar Azam [Source: AP]Usman Khan and Babar Azam [Source: AP]

On Wednesday, Pakistan will take on South Africa in the final round-robin match of the ongoing ODI Tri-Series at home. Under Mohammad Rizwan's leadership, Pakistan had a disastrous start to the series, losing the inaugural game against New Zealand. So, this is a must-win match for the home side, as another defeat will result in their elimination. 

Considering it's a do-or-die clash for Pakistan, the hosts might make a few changes to their playing XI in order to strengthen their combination. As the Men in Green gear up for the challenge, here are some modifications they might ensure in their playing XI. 

Usman Khan In, Babar To Bat At 3?

Position
Innings
Runs
Average/SR
Opening33612/61.02
Number 3104541660.18/88.35

(Babar Azam's ODI record by batting position)

  • Pakistan team management's decision to use Babar Azam as an opener didn't work in the first game, as the talismanic batter was dismissed for ten runs. On the other hand, Babar has been magnificent at number three, amassing 5416 runs at an average of 60.18 and a strike rate of 88.35. 
  • More importantly, Babar enjoyed stellar success at three in the South Africa tour, scoring 148 runs at a superb average of 49.33. Therefore, considering Babar is their best batter, Pakistan must rethink about his batting position ahead of the Champions Trophy. 
  • So, it would be better from their perspective if they unleash Usman Khan and allow Babar to bat at three while choosing one between Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir for an extra batter's slot in the lower middle order. 

Khushdil To Be Replaced By Faheem Ashraf?

Innings
Wickets
Average/SR
112013.90/11.70

(Faheem Ashraf's Stats In BPL 2024-25)

  • Khushdil Shah, who made his return to Pakistan's ODI squad for the Champions Trophy, looked off-colour with bat and ball against New Zealand. After conceding 66 runs and going wicketless in his nine-over spell, Khushdil managed only 15 runs off 18 balls as a finisher. 
  • On the other hand, Faheem Ashraf is coming off an incredible BPL season, where he scalped 20 wickets in eleven matches. Also, considering the pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi will likely be flat, Pakistan might prefer an extra seamer, especially with Haris Rauf set to be rested. 

Injured Haris Rauf To Be Replaced By Hasnain?

  • Pakistan's ace speedster Haris Rauf sustained an unfortunate side strain during the first ODI of the Tri-Series. He failed to complete his quota of overs, walking off the field midway in the first innings. 
  • Although Pakistan have reportedly replaced him with Akif Javed, the hosts might prefer Mohammad Hasnain as Rauf's replacement for this match. Hasnain has been picked as Pakistan's reserve pacer for the Champions Trophy, and it will be a golden opportunity for him to get some game time under his belt.