Shaheen Afridi Back, Fakhar In; No Saim Ayub? Pakistan's Strongest XI For 1st T20I Vs WI

Pakistan will take on WI in 1st T20I [Source: @mohsenraufkhan, @HassanAbbasian, @CricCrazyJohns/X]

After suffering a heartbreaking defeat against Bangladesh, Pakistan are preparing to take on the West Indies in a much-anticipated three-match series in their backyard. The opening encounter of the series is all set to be played at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida. 

Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced formidable squads for the T20I and ODI series. While Shaheen Afridi made his T20I comeback, ace batter Babar Azam still couldn't make it into the final fifteen. 

As the visitors gear up for the inaugural affair of the series, let's analyse and find out what could be their strongest possible combination for this match. 

Sahibzada Farhan Deserves A Long Rope

(Farhan in T20 format since PSL 2025)

Stylish right-handed batter Sahibzada Farhan has grabbed the opportunities with both hands. In his previous three T20I outings, Farhan has struck two magnificent fifties in tricky batting conditions, proving his readiness for the shortest format. 

He is an excellent anchor and can help Pakistan form a stabilise top-order. So, considering his ability and red-hot form, Farhan deserves to get a long rope as Pakistan aim to revamp their batting order before next year's T20 World Cup. 

Case 1: Play Farhan as opener, pick one between Saim and Fakhar

If Pakistan team management plays Farhan as an opener, it will have to pick one between Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman as his partner. Saim has struggled to get going of late, managing 77 runs in his last six innings at a horrible average of 12.83. 

So, Pakistan must ensure game time for Saim and Fakhar by using them on a rotational basis. Having said that, Fakhar, being the senior among the two, could get the first preference. 

Case 2: Play Farhan as wicketkeeper at 3, drop Mohammad Haris

On the contrary, if Pakistan decide to play all three of them and assign the wicketkeeping duties to Farhan, it could backfire on the visitors, breaking the batter's momentum. 

Also, he doesn't have a great record at 3 in T20 format (64 runs at an average of 12.8); so, it makes more sense to play him as an opener and rotate Fakhar and Saim throughout the series. 

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Hasan, Khushdil Included; Toss-up between Faheem and Nawaz

(Faheem and Nawaz's stats in Bangladesh T20Is)

Considering Pakistan included Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah in their T20I squad despite their recent failures in Bangladesh, the duo is likely to get a consistent run in the middle order. Meanwhile, skipper Agha Salman, who has 331 runs in 16 T20I outings, will likely bat at his preferred number four slot. 

On the other hand, there could be a toss-up between Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz for the bowling all-rounder's role. Faheem was the better batter of the two in Bangladesh; so, ideally he should start in the first game unless an extremely dry surface is dished out. 

Shaheen To Lead Pakistan's Bowling Attack With Rauf

Veteran fast bowling trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali have been recalled for the West Indies T20Is. Shaheen, who can make the new ball talk, should open the bowling with Hasan, with Rauf playing the third seamer's role.  

Hasan showcased sublime form in his previous series, scalping eight wickets in just three matches. He can form a lethal new ball attack with Shaheen, while Rauf's pace and ability to hit the deck hard make him a tricky customer in the middle overs. 

Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed should play as the frontline spinner. His wily variations might be handy in the middle overs where he can challenge the West Indies batters with his leg-spin and a deceptive googly. 

Pakistan's Strongest Playing XI For 1st T20I vs West Indies

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub/Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (WK), Agha Salman, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

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