As Pakistan look for vengeance against Sri Lanka, when they face the Islanders in first One Day International (ODI) today, let’s have a quick view at the playing XI.
Pakistan suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat in the Test series, which was also the first Test series loss in the Emirates for the Green-shirts. Now they are looking to bounce back from the loss and with momentum in the limited over game on their back with Champions Trophy trumpet, they are looking for vengeance.
With Champions Trophy winning stars are back for Pakistan, the ODI series would be a thriller to watch.
As Sarfraz Ahmed already mentioned in the presser on Thursday that Usman Khan Shinwari, Faheem Ashraf, Imamul Haq and Haris Sohail will not play the 1st ODI. So Pakistan’s playing XI is very clear.
Ahmed Shehzad and Fakhar Zaman will open, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik will play in middle order, Captain Sarfraz Ahmed and Imad Wasim will come down in the order.
In bowling department, Pakistan still have plenty of options available despite Mohammad Amir on sideline due to shin injury.
Junaid Khan is most likely to lead the attack with Rumman Raees, Hassan Ali and Shadab will share the ball in middle of the innings, with Imad and Hafeez in the team, Sarfraz have an extra spinner available.
Pakistan XI: Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, (Captain and Wicketkeeper) Sarfraz Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Rumman Raees.