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Pakistan are set to kick off their white-ball leg with a demanding series against Australia, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, starting with the first ODI on November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This series is poised to be a significant test as Pakistan begins a new chapter under Jason Gillespie, their newly appointed white-ball coach, who returns to his homeland in this pivotal role. Gillespie’s tenure comes after the abrupt departure of Gary Kirsten, who resigned just days prior, marking a swift leadership change.
Riding momentum and leadership shifts
Pakistan enters this series buoyed by recent success, having secured a 2-1 victory in a home Test series against England. This success has infused confidence in the team, led by newly appointed ODI and T20I captain Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan, already a stalwart behind the stumps and a prolific performer with the bat, now shoulders the dual responsibility of captaincy and wicketkeeping. Pakistan’s lineup features star players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, who are eager to make a statement after being rested during the Test series win over England. Their return is expected to add firepower to Pakistan’s challenge against the reigning world champions.
A potent pace battery and tactical options
The squad boasts a formidable five-strong pace attack comprising Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Aamer Jamal. There is speculation about the possibility of deploying all five pacers, contingent on Aamer Jamal‘s role as a lower-order batter at number seven and the inclusion of Agha Salman, an off-spinning all-rounder, at number six. However, such an approach may be deemed too audacious, even under Gillespie’s innovative leadership.
Also READ: 3 reasons why Mohammad Rizwan’s appointment as Pakistan’s white-ball captain is a clever move by PCB
Spinning solutions and future stars
Expect to see Kamran Ghulam, whose recent performances against England bolstered his credentials as a dependable spinning all-rounder. Additionally, 19-year-old Arafat Minhas is a potential inclusion, offering fresh left-arm spin and a glimpse into Pakistan’s promising future. This mix of experience and youthful exuberance aims to provide a well-rounded challenge against Australia’s strong batting and bowling line-up.
Pakistan’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against Australia
1. Abdullah Shafique (Opening Batter)
- Role: Top-order batter
- Strengths: Technically sound with a calm approach and an ability to build long innings. Shafique is known for his composure and technique, making him ideal for facing Australia’s new-ball bowlers.
- Impact in Australia: His patience and strong back-foot play can counter the bounce and pace on Australian pitches, providing stability at the top.
2. Saim Ayub (Opening Batter)
- Role: Aggressive opening batter
- Strengths: Explosive at the top with a natural attacking game. Ayub has a fearless approach, capable of taking advantage of powerplays.
- Impact in Australia: His aggressive batting can put pressure on Australia’s bowlers early, leveraging the true bounce of Australian pitches for quick runs.
3. Babar Azam (Top-order Batter)
- Role: No. 3 batter, team captain
- Strengths: World-class batter with exceptional timing, consistency, and leadership qualities. He anchors the innings and accelerates as needed.
- Impact in Australia: Babar’s adaptability and skill against pace and spin make him a key player for scoring runs in challenging conditions, ensuring momentum through the middle overs.
4. Muhammad Irfan Khan (Middle-order Batter)
- Role: Middle-order batter
- Strengths: Compact technique and strong against spin. Irfan provides depth to the middle order and can rotate strike effectively while accelerating when necessary.
- Impact in Australia: His ability to stabilize innings after quick wickets can be crucial on Australian surfaces where the ball can come on quickly.
5. Mohammad Rizwan (Captain, Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Role: Middle-order batter, wicketkeeper
- Strengths: High work rate and ability to anchor or finish innings. Rizwan’s fast running between the wickets and skillful batting against pace are significant assets.
- Impact in Australia: His ability to counter high pace and play square of the wicket effectively will be vital in chasing or setting a competitive total.
6. Salman Ali Agha (Allrounder)
- Role: Middle-order batter, off-spin bowler
- Strengths: Reliable middle-order contributor with the ability to bowl economical off-spin. Salman adds flexibility and balance to the lineup.
- Impact in Australia: His experience and off-spin could be useful in breaking partnerships, while his batting can adapt to pressure situations.
7. Kamran Ghulam (Allrounder)
- Role: Batting allrounder, slow left arm part-time spinner
- Strengths: Prolific domestic performer with solid batting credentials and part-time spin capabilities. Adds depth to the batting lineup.
- Impact in Australia: His versatile batting and confidence in playing spin can help in consolidating or finishing innings effectively.
8. Aamer Jamal (Allrounder)
- Role: Lower-order batter, pace bowler
- Strengths: Strong hitter down the order with an ability to bowl medium-fast deliveries. Jamal’s batting can be game-changing in the death overs.
- Impact in Australia: With his allround ability, Jamal can provide vital breakthroughs and add quick runs at the end, crucial on high-scoring Australian tracks.
9. Shaheen Afridi (Pace Bowler)
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Strengths: Renowned for his lethal new-ball spell, ability to swing the ball at high speed, and attacking mindset. Afridi excels in taking early wickets.
- Impact in Australia: His pace, bounce, and ability to bowl yorkers will be a significant threat to Australia’s top order on their fast pitches.
10. Haris Rauf (Pace Bowler)
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strengths: Express pace and exceptional death-bowling skills. Rauf is capable of unsettling batter with his speed and bouncers.
- Impact in Australia: The bouncy Australian pitches will suit his natural strengths, making him a key figure in the middle and death overs.
11. Arafat Minhas (Spinner)
- Role: Left-arm spinner,
- Strengths: Promising young talent known for controlled spin and lower-order batting. Can serve as a backup to frontline spinners.
- Impact in Australia: His left-arm spin offers variety, and his potential to bat adds depth to the lineup, giving Pakistan flexibility in adapting to match situations.
