Pakistan’s First T20 Against Bangladesh: A Look At The Likely Playing Eleven For The Green Shirts

By
Afshar Iqbal
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Pakistan’s T20 Series In Australia, Pakistan’s first T20 against England
Image Source: GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan’s first T20 against Bangladesh is scheduled to take place in Lahore on the coming Friday. So, here is a look at the likely playing eleven for the green shirts.

Read: Why BCCI’s Big 5 Model Can Be A Real Threat For Pakistan Cricket

 Top Three

Babar Azam As Pakistan’s Vice-Captain, Pakistan’s First T20 Against Bangladesh
Image Source: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images

Since it is a T20 game, captain Babar Azam as usual should open the innings for Pakistan. However, now that Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail have been dropped; Mohd. Hafeez is likely to partner the skipper while wicket-keeper batsman Mohd. Rizwan as of now seems favorite for the number three position.

Read: Pakistan’s Rawalpindi Test Against Bangladesh: Takeaways After PCB Announces 19 Probables

 Middle Order

Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed’s Press Conference, Pakistan’s First T20 Against Bangladesh
Source: Daily Mail

Also making his comeback should be former captain Shoaib Malik. The senior pro then is likely to bat at number four while Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah should be the other two batsmen to complete Pakistan’s middle-order for the opening encounter.

Read: Mohd. Hafeez, Shoaib Malik & Shaheen Shah Afridi Return, Mohd. Amir & Wahab Riaz Sacked As Misbah-ul-Haq Overhauls The T20 Squad Yet Again!

Spinners And All-rounders

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Image Source: Reuters

Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan should come into bat at number seven and eight respectively. Both all-rounders then are also likely to bear the burden of the spin department during the much anticipated game.

Read: Here Is Why Pakistan Must Bring In Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abid Ali And Haris Rauf For The T20 Series Against Bangladesh

Specialist Bowlers

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Image Source: www.thenews.com.pk

Shaheen Shah Afridi is in red hot form and hence, an automatic choice to lead the bowling attack. Haris Rauf too has shown brilliant progress during the Big Bash series and therefore, there is every chance of him making his international debut against the Tigers on Friday. The third fast bowler then is likely to be Mohd. Hasnain. However, Amad Butt or leg-spinner Usman Qadir might play ahead of Hasnain if the team management decides to play an additional all-rounder or spinner.

So, what’s your playing eleven for Pakistan’s first T20 against Bangladesh?

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