Pakistan’s first ODI against Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place in Karachi on the coming Friday. Hence, here is a look at the possible XI that is likely to play for the green shirts.
Read: Takeaways From Misbah-ul-Haq’s Squad Announcement
Top Three
Pakistan are expected to open with Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman while Babar Azam is likely to bat on his regular number i.e. the one down position. Fakhar Zaman nevertheless, enters the series under a lot of pressure to perform so that he is able to keep his place in the squad.
Read: Pakistan’s Test Series In Australia: What Pakistan Must Do
Middle Order
With Shoaib Malik and Mohd. Hafeez dropped, Pakistan are likely to promote Harris Sohail to number four. Harris had batted at number five for most part during the world cup.
Sarfraz batted down the order during the last half of the world cup. However, the captain too is likely to receive promotion from Misbah-ul-Haq and bat at number five i.e the three down position.
Iftikhar Ahmed owing to his part time off-spin bowling ability is likely to be tried at number six.
Read: Why PCB Had To Name Babar Azam As Pakistan’s Vice-Captain
All-Rounders
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Fast Bowlers
Wahab Riaz and Mohd. Amir are likely to lead Pakistan’s pace attack during Pakistan’s first ODI against Sri Lanka. Usman Shinwari is likely to be tried as the third pacer.