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Usman Replaced; Naseem Shah Out, Surprise Pacer In? Pakistan's Strongest XI For 2nd ODI vs NZ

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan will face NZ in 2nd ODI [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]Pakistan will face NZ in 2nd ODI [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]

On Wednesday, Pakistan will cross swords against New Zealand in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series. The much-anticipated game will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton. 

Despite Babar Azam's valiant effort, Pakistan suffered a disastrous defeat in the first ODI, with New Zealand winning the match by 73 runs. So, moving on to the must-win second game, let's analyse and find out Pakistan's strongest playing XI for this match. 

Pakistan's Playing XI In 1st ODI vs NZ

Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed

Who Should Replace Usman Khan?

In a massive setback for Pakistan, ace batter Usman Khan sustained a hamstring injury, which sidelined him from the second ODI against New Zealand. In the first game, Usman looked sublime, scoring 39 runs off just 33 balls. 

However, as he is injured, Pakistan should replace him with Imam-ul-Haq, their only reserve opener in the squad. In 72 innings, the southpaw has scored 3148 runs at an average of 47.70 and a strike rate of 82.26. Thus, in Usman's absence, Imam should open the innings with Abdullah Shafique, with Babar Azam following them at number three. 

Irfan Khan Out, Khushdil Shah In?

Irfan Khan Niazi has been a proven failure in ODIs, managing only 48 runs across six innings at a horrendous average of six. Although he bagged three wickets in the last game, Irfan went for 51 runs in his five-over spell. 

So, considering he has had a persistent rough patch and got out for a duck in the last game, Pakistan should bring Khushdil Shah into their playing XI as his replacement. 

Khushdil exhibited sublime form in the Champions Trophy, slamming 107 runs at an average of 53.50 and a blistering strike rate of 121.59. 

Besides scoring vital runs as a finisher, Khushdil can chip in with a few overs of handy left-arm spin. 

Wasim Jr To Replace Out-Of-Form Naseem Shah?

Experienced fast bowler Naseem Shah has had a forgettable year in ODI cricket. The right-arm pacer has bagged only six ODI wickets in 2025 at a mediocre average of 56.83 and a strike rate of 56. 

Furthermore, his economy of 6.09 indicates that he has failed to control the flow of runs in ODIs this year. So, considering his recent poor form, it won't be surprising if the visitors replace Naseem with Mohammad Wasim Jr. 

In 20 ODIs, Wasim has bagged 34 wickets and can be a serious threat to the New Zealand batters in the slog overs. 

The rest of Pakistan's XI should be similar to what they had for the previous encounter at McLean Park in Napier. 

Pakistan's Strongest XI For 2nd ODI vs New Zealand

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed