Possible Alterations in Pakistan Lineup Anticipated for 3rd ODI Against Afghanistan

Mainul Islam

August 26, 2023

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Mainul Islam

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Possible Alterations in Pakistan Lineup Anticipated for 3rd ODI Against Afghanistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) team management is poised to introduce significant changes to the playing XI for the concluding match of the ODI series against Afghanistan. Sources reveal that a minimum of three changes are in the pipeline, following Pakistan’s triumphant 2-0 series lead against Afghanistan on Thursday. The final match is set to unfold in Colombo, Sri Lanka, today.

Probable Changes in Lineup

Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Wasim Junior are reportedly in contention for a spot in the playing XI for today’s match. Conversely, suggestions have emerged regarding the possible resting of Iftikhar Ahmed, Osama Mir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

While the team management contemplated implementing four changes in the playing eleven, the ultimate decision will be unveiled prior to the toss later in the day.

Victory Bears Additional Fruit

A victory for Pakistan in the upcoming match holds more significance than the series win alone. Pakistan’s exhilarating one-wicket triumph over Afghanistan in Hambantota resulted in an augmentation of Pakistan’s ODI team rating. The Green Shirts are now in close proximity to securing the top position currently held by Australia.

According to an official statement from the ICC, “The Asian side could claim the premier position as the No.1 ranked one-day side as early as Saturday with a victory over Afghanistan in the third and final match of their series.”

Squads in Action

Pakistan Squad: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel (exclusively for Afghanistan series), Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.

Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Wafadar Momand.

Last Updated: Aug 26, 2023