Pakistan’s First ODI Against Zimbabwe: A Look At The Possible Playing Eleven

Pakistan’s first ODI against Zimbabwe is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi on Friday, the 30th of October, 2020. So, here is a look at the possible playing eleven for the men in green during the opening encounter of the three match series.

Read: Shadab Khan Likely To Miss The First ODI Against Zimbabwe

Top Three During Pakistan’s First ODI Against Zimbabwe

Pakistan are likely to open with Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. Skipper Babar Azam then is likely to bat at his usual number three position.

Read: Inzamam-ul-Haq Criticizes PCB’s Tactics Before The Appointment Of Pakistan’s Test Captain

Middle-order

Haris Sohail seems all set to stage another international comeback after he opted out of Pakistan’s tour to England earlier in the year. 

The inform wicket-keeper batsman Mohd. Rizwan then also seems to be an automatic choice for the game. 

Iftikhar Ahmed so, is the likely third batsman in the middle-order i.e. if Pakistan’s think tank doesn’t vote in favor of the young Haider Ali or Khushdil Shah. Nevertheless, Iftikhar provides an added advantage because of his ability as a part-time bowler and Misbah and company then might play safe by opting for him at least during the first game.

Read: Mohd. Rizwan Likely To Takeover Test Captaincy From Azhar Ali

Spinners

Imad Wasim Wasim and Shadab Khan have led the spin bowling department for Pakistan in the limited overs formats for long. 

However, Shadab is rumored to be recovering from an injury and thus, either Usman Qadir or Zafar Gohar are likely to replace him i.e. if the selectors don’t decide to play fast bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf instead of another spinner alongside Imad Wasim.

Read: Why Promoting Shadab Khan As Vice Captain Ahead Of Mohd. Rizwan Is A Bad Decision

Fast Bowlers

Wahab Riaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi are the automatic choices for the game. Haris Rauf or Mohd. Hasnain then are likely to fill up the third pacer’s position in the playing eleven.