Pakistan v South Africa ODI series is all set to start from April 2nd, 2021. Pakistan has made a lot of changes to their ODI squad, some players are making a comeback while few players are dropped due to bad performances. Taking the current squad into consideration let’s discuss Pakistan possible playing 11 for the 1st ODI against South Africa.
Few months before Pakistan team was also planning to play Rizwan as an opener in ODI’s as well. But after many changes in the ODI squad against SA. We may be seeing Rizwan opening the innings if Imam-ul-Haq warms the bench.
Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will be the opening pair of Pakistan playing 11. Also, Rizwan might open the innings if Imam doesn’t play.
Captain Babar will be the main pillar of the batting lineup playing at No 3 position and Haider Ali at No 4.
At the No 5 position, Saud Shakeel was the initial batsman to make his debut but unfortunately, he got injured. Now Sarfaraz Ahmed has the best chance to play for Pakistan playing 11 again. Stats are also in the favour of Sarfaraz as he has performed the best playing at No 4 and No 5 positions.
At the No 6 position, Rizwan will be the option if he doesn’t open for Pakistan. Two all-rounders Faheem alongside Shadab at No 7 and 8 respectively.
Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi at No 9 and 10 as a specialist pacer. At the No 11 position if the condition will be supporting the pacers then Haris Rauf might play. If the spinners were the dominant force then we will be seeing two leg spinners playing.
This is the possible Pakistan playing 11 for the 1st ODI there may be some changes in the team according to the situation.
Grounds in South Africa are usually high-scoring. So, Pakistan should select the team with 6 bowling options to depend on the score because it is easy to score bat on those wickets.
