Pakistan is gearing up to face Australia in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, with the first game set to unfold tomorrow morning at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This highly anticipated match will be an exciting start to the series as both teams are keen to establish their dominance and start preparing for the Champions Trophy in 2024.
Australia enters the series as a strong, well-balanced team with the advantage of playing at home. On the other hand, Pakistan is in a transitional phase, with a new captain and vice-captain guiding the team. Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batsman, will make his official debut as the captain in limited-overs cricket in this match. Rizwan will aim to start his captaincy journey on a high note, setting a strong tone for the rest of the series.
For the first ODI, Pakistan has named its playing XI, opting for a mix of pace and spin. The team will field four pacers and one part-time spinner, bringing a unique balance to their bowling attack. This series also marks the return of three key players: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah. The trio, who missed the second half of the recent Test series against England due to below-par performances, will be eager to prove themselves and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
New faces add further excitement to Pakistan’s squad. Kamran Ghulam, who recently made his Test debut, has now been included in the ODI lineup, along with Irfan Khan Niazi, an emerging young talent known for his skillful performances. Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the batting for Pakistan, aiming to build a solid foundation at the top of the order.
Here is Pakistan’s official playing XI for the first ODI:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Salman Ali Agha
- Irfan Khan Niazi
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Haris Rauf
This lineup brings a mix of experience and fresh energy, and Pakistan will be eager to see how their combination fares against the Australians on their home turf. The series promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams push to fine-tune their strategies and test their players ahead of major tournaments.
Check Also: Hong Kong Super Sixes: Pakistan secure final spot with four-wicket over Australia