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As Pakistan gears up for a three-match T20I series against Australia, beginning on November 14, the team under Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership looks well-prepared for the challenges down under. Fresh off a historic ODI series win against Australia, Pakistan are riding high on confidence and will aim to carry that momentum into the three-match T20I series.
The first T20I will take place at The Gabba in Brisbane, followed by games at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on November 16 and the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on November 18.
Pakistan’s best starting XI for the T20I series against Australia
Top-Order Strength and Leadership
1.) Mohammad Rizwan (Captain/Wicketkeeper): Rizwan, leading as both captain and wicketkeeper, is expected to set an example with the bat and his gloves. Known for his calm demeanour in high-pressure situations, Rizwan’s contributions at the top will be crucial for Pakistan, both in building the innings and navigating tough chases.
2.) Usman Khan (Opening Batter): The left-handed opener brings a dynamic start to the innings with his aggressive play. Usman’s role will be to provide a quick and strong start, laying a foundation that can be capitalized on by the middle order.
3.) Babar Azam (Top-Order Batter): Pakistan’s batting anchor, Babar Azam, will play a vital role in stabilizing the innings and ensuring a steady flow of runs. His ability to read the game and accelerate when needed makes him indispensable, particularly in setting or chasing competitive targets.
Middle Order: Depth and Versatility
4.) Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain/Middle-Order Batter/All-rounder): Serving as vice-captain, Salman brings a valuable combination of middle-order stability and off-spin bowling. His dual role will add depth, as he’s expected to contribute runs and offer Pakistan a bowling option in the middle overs.
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5.) Arafat Minhas (Middle-Order Finisher): Known for his explosive batting at the end, Arafat will be tasked with finishing games on a high note. His ability to score quickly in the final overs can change the game’s momentum, particularly in tight finishes.
6.) Muhammad Irfan Khan (Lower Middle-Order Batter): As a lower middle-order batter, Irfan’s role is to provide support to the finishers and play a stable hand if needed. His skills with the ball also make him a versatile option, adding to Pakistan’s tactical flexibility.
All-Rounders and Key Bowlers
7.) Jahandad Khan (Lower-Order All-Rounder): A seam-bowling all-rounder, Jahandad brings balance to the team, contributing with both bat and ball. His knack for picking up wickets and adding runs in the lower order could be pivotal, especially in the high-pressure Australian conditions.
8.) Shaheen Afridi (Lead Fast Bowler): Pakistan’s ace pacer, Shaheen Afridi, will spearhead the bowling attack. Known for his ability to swing the ball and take early wickets, Shaheen’s presence will be critical in curbing Australia’s top-order batting strength.
9.) Sufiyan Muqeem (Spinner): Likely making his T20I debut, Sufiyan is expected to bring a fresh spin element to the lineup. His control in the middle overs will complement the pace-heavy attack, offering variety and limiting scoring opportunities.
10.) Haris Rauf (Fast Bowler): After strong performances in the recent ODIs, Haris Rauf will be crucial, especially in the death overs. His pace and variations make him an effective weapon against aggressive batting, and his ability to pick quick wickets will be vital.
11.) Abbas Afridi (Fast Bowler): Adding height and bounce, Abbas Afridi will likely trouble Australian batsmen with his extra pace and sharp deliveries. His variations, combined with the bouncy pitches, could make him a key player in the attack.
Pakistan’s Strategy and Expectations
Pakistan’s squad blends experience with youthful energy, bringing a balanced approach to the series. With aggressive batting options and a potent bowling lineup, the team aims to challenge Australia on their home turf. Rizwan’s leadership, paired with the seasoned skillset of Babar, provides stability, while the inclusion of power-hitters like Arafat and Usman boosts the scoring potential. Pakistan’s success will depend heavily on their ability to adapt to Australian conditions, particularly with a versatile bowling attack ready to counter Australia’s batting strength.
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