No Babar Azam; Shaheen Afridi back: Report claims big changes in PAK T20I XI vs SL

Pakistan team in action [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, Pakistan might make several changes to their playing XI for the T20I tri-series encounter against Sri Lanka. Led by Agha Salman, Pakistan will face the Lankan Lions in their final group-stage match of the ongoing Tri-Series on home soil. If reports are to be believed, the hosts will likely make drastic changes to their playing XI by bringing Shaheen Afridi back and resting veteran batter Babar Azam. 

Shaheen likely to be back after missing Zimbabwe clash

As reported by Pakistan's leading media agency Geo Super, Shaheen Afridi, who was sidelined from the last game against Zimbabwe due to a minor foot injury, will likely make his comeback. 

Meanwhile, experienced batter Babar Azam could be rested, as he has played a lot of cricket in recent times. Babar was magnificent with the bat against Zimbabwe, amassing 74 crucial runs in the last game. 

If Babar Azam is rested, skipper Salman Ali Agha might bat at three, with Hasan Nawaz likely to make his comeback at number five. The swashbuckling batter lost his place from the side after failing miserably in the Asia Cup. 

The report also claims that Pakistan might persist with ace speedster Naseem Shah for the Sri Lanka face-off. However, Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr might be rested to manage their workload. 

Pakistan have been unstoppable in the competition, winning three consecutive matches in the tournament. After swatting aside Zimbabwe by five wickets, the hosts thumped Sri Lanka by seven wickets in their subsequent game. They further went on to secure a 69-run win over the Chevrons, eventually qualifying for the final of the competition. So, while Pakistan will be unperturbed by this game's outcome, Sri Lanka must win this match to enter the final. 

---

ALSO READ

PAK vs SL statistical preview: Key stats, records and head-to-head ahead of 6th Tri-series T20I

---