Shadab Khan Likely To Miss The First ODI Against Zimbabwe

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Shadab Khan is likely to miss the first One Day International (ODI) against the touring Zimbabwe side that is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi on coming Friday. Hence, here is a look at how the entire episode is likely to have an impact on the playing eleven for the game.

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

Why Is Shadab Khan Likely To Miss The Opening Encounter Against Zimbabwe?

Shadab Khan’s Illness, Shadab Khan Vice Captain, Shadab Khan Zimbabwe
Image Source: CricketCountry.com

Media reports suggest that Pakistan’s limited overs vice-captain suffered a strain in his left leg and therefore, his participation in the first ODI against Zimbabwe is unlikely. 

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

How Shadab’s Injury Can Impact The Playing Eleven?

Pakistan’s Australia Bound Test and T20 Squads, Shadab Khan Zimbabwe
Image Source; www.geo.tv

Shadab Khan’s unavailability should make room for either Usman Qadir or Zafar Gohar’s inclusion in the playing eleven. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar seems to be a better utility player owing to his superior batting ability. Nevertheless, Usman Qadir would also be eyeing an international debut simply because he is logically the right type of player i.e. a leg-spinner for a leg-spinner to replace the injured Shadab Khan.

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    Image Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images for ECB/www.espncricinfo.com

Misbah-ul-Haq has been often criticized for his bias selection methods. Hence, the decision might be taken while keeping in mind something entirely different from what the merit should suggest. Both Sahdab and Misbah represent Islamabad United and Zafar plays for the same franchise and so, the bias is likely to earn Zafar (who given the record is a better choice anyway) a comeback call.

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    Source: The Express Tribune

Besides the aforesaid, the support staff might as well play Zafar to give a wake up call to Imad Wasim who hasn’t really been consistent enough at the highest level off late.

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    Image Source: zimbio.com

Still, the wicket in Rawalpindi generally supports the pacers and so, while there is a very slim probability; even Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan’s answer to Ben Stokes!) despite a very poor record at the international level might as well play ahead of a spinner in the squad.

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