#PakvsNZ: A Look At The Likely Playing XI For The First ODI

First ODI of the three-match #PakvsNZ series is scheduled for today and so, here is a look at the likely playing XI that the Babar Azam led side is likely to field during the inaugural game. It is worth mentioning here that Shan Masood has been appointed as the team’s vice-captain in absence of Shadab Khan who wasn’t picked owing to an injury.

Read: 3 Things #ShahidAfridi Got Right While Selecting The ODI Squad

Pakistan’s Top Four During The Opening #PakvsNZ ODI

The green shirts are likely to stick with Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq as the team’s openers. Skipper Babar Azam is expected to bat at his regular number three position while Shan Masood is likely to come in at number four.

Read: Inzamam-ul-Haq Backs Babar Azam, Criticizes Pakistani Wickets

Middle and Late Order

Wicket-keeper, Mohd. Rizwan is likely to bat at the number five position while Salman Ali Agha is likely to follow at number six. Nevertheless, Haris Sohail might as well be preferred over Agha in case the country’s selectors decide to play with five bowlers only. Nawaz on the other hand, is almost certain to play. He is expected to occupy the number seven position.

Read: #2023: Major Tournaments And Series that Pakistan Should Target

Bowlers

Mohd. Wasim, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah should be Pakistan’s first choice fast bowlers however, Naseem might be rested. Hasnain in which case is likely to get the selector’s nod. In absence of Shadab, leggie Usama Mir is likely to make his debut.

Read: 3 Things That Might Happen In Pakistan Cricket During The Year #2023

Pakistan’s Likely Playing 

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Shan Masood, Mohd. Rizwan (wk), Haris Sohail/Salman Ali Agha, Mohd. Nawaz, Mohd. Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah/Mohd. Hasnain, Haris Rauf and Usama Mir.