Revealed: Why Pakistan Have Dropped Naseem Shah From Playing XI For 2nd ODI vs WI

Naseem Shah won't play 2nd ODI vs WI [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series against Pakistan at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. The visiting skipper Mohammad Rizwan confirmed three changes to Pakistan's playing XI from the previous game, with Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali and Abrar Ahmed replacing Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah and Sufiyan Muqeem, respectively. 

Why Did Pakistan Exclude Naseem Shah From Playing XI?

Ace speedster Naseem Shah had a memorable outing in the previous game, scalping three wickets. However, he was slightly expensive, conceding 55 runs in his eight-over spell. 

It's worth mentioning that Rizwan didn't provide an injury update on Naseem during the all-important toss ahead of the clash. The Pakistan team management has used Hasan Ali and Naseem Shah on a rotational basis in white-ball cricket of late. 

With Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf set to make it into the Asia Cup squad, there's a toss-up between Naseem and Hasan Ali for the third seamer's slot. 

In such a scenario, replacing Naseem with Hasan could be a move to finalise the third seamer for the Asia Cup. While Naseem proved his mettle by scalping three wickets in the last game, it's a golden opportunity for Hasan to present a strong case for his inclusion in the Asia Cup squad. 

Hasan Ali has played 66 ODIs for Pakistan, bagging 100 wickets at an average of 30.8 and a strike rate of 31.9. 

Pakistan's Playing XI For 2nd ODI vs WI

Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Hasan Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed

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