Former cricketer, Rashid Latif, has revealed his preferred playing XI for the first One Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and New Zealand, set to take place on Thursday at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
Latif took to Twitter on Wednesday, to reveal his formidable lineup to represent Pakistan in the crucial encounter.
At the top of the order, Latif has chosen Imam ul Haq and Fakhar Zaman as the opening batsmen. Both players have shown their ability to provide a solid start in the past.
Pakistan’s batting mainstay, Babar Azam, will bat at his usual position in the lineup. Babar’s exceptional form and leadership skills make him a crucial asset for the team.
Behind the stumps, Latif has picked the reliable Mohammad Rizwan as the wicketkeeper. Rizwan has been in outstanding form in recent times, both with the bat and behind the stumps, and is considered one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world.
In the middle order, Haris Sohail has been included to provide stability and experience. He has shown his ability to anchor the innings and play calculated innings in the past, and Latif believes he can provide a solid foundation for the lower middle order to build upon.
Salman Agha, a promising young talent, has been given a chance in the playing XI by Latif. He has been performing well in domestic cricket and has the potential to be a valuable addition to the team in the middle order.
Latif has opted for an all-rounder in the form of Mohammad Nawaz, who can provide a balance to the team with his batting and bowling abilities.
In the spin department, Shadab Khan has been included as the primary spinner. Shadab is known for his attacking leg-spin and can provide breakthroughs in the middle overs to put pressure on the opposition.
The pace attack is led by the talented Shaheen Afridi, who has been a consistent performer for Pakistan in recent times. With his pace and accuracy, Shaheen can trouble the New Zealand batsmen and take wickets at crucial junctures of the game.
Joining Shaheen in the pace attack is the young and promising Naseem Shah. Naseem has shown his ability to bowl at high speeds and has the potential to be a match-winner for Pakistan.
Completing the pace attack is Haris Rauf, known for his raw pace and ability to generate reverse swing.
Playing XI: Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Haris Sohail, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
My Starting xi #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/x1TYzTc9R8
— Rashid Latif | đŸ‡µđŸ‡° (@iRashidLatif68) April 26, 2023
