Usman In; Rizwan To Drop Shaheen Afridi? Pakistan’s Strongest XI For Champions Trophy Match vs BAN

Usman Khan and Shaheen Afridi [Source: AP, @Mustafasays__/X]

On Sunday, Pakistan had a disastrous outing on the field, as they lost their second consecutive match of the ICC Champions Trophy. The Men in Green fell prey to their arch-rivals India this time, with Rohit Sharma’s troops handing them a crushing defeat in Dubai. 

As Pakistan have lost two successive matches, their final encounter against Bangladesh is going to be a must-win affair for them. Having said that, this clash will be converted into a dead-rubber if New Zealand secure a berth in the semifinals by defeating Bangladesh today. 

Nevertheless, in either case, Pakistan would like to resolve their grey areas and finish the group-stage on a high note. As the hosts continue searching for their first win, let’s see what could be their strongest XI for the mega clash against Bangladesh. 

Tayyab Tahir Out, Usman Khan In?

Prominent middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir has been a major disappointment for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. The stylish right-hander has recorded successive low scores, managing only five runs in two outings at a horrendous average of 2.50. 

Although they have Kamran Ghulam in their squad, Pakistan should replace Tahir with the dynamic Usman Khan for their final group-stage match against Bangladesh. 

How Can Usman Khan’s Inclusion Benefit Pakistan?

The inclusion of Usman will allow them to use Babar Azam at his preferred number three slot, with Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah following him. 

Although Saud Shakeel struck a half-century at 3 in the high-voltage clash against India, he has a more impressive record at number five. Similarly, Agha Salman has excellent numbers at number six and can be instrumental in providing Pakistan with a fitting finish to their innings. 

Thus, ideally, Pakistan should open with Usman Khan, who can not only provide them with a rollicking start, but also allow the other batters to play at their suitable slots. 

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Shaheen, Naseem Or Rauf: Who Could Be Dropped?

(Performance of Pakistan pacers in Champions Trophy)

Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf have let Pakistan down in the tournament, recording miserable numbers as evidenced by the stats above. So, there is a strong possibility that one of these three bowlers might be dropped for the final encounter against Bangladesh. 

However, Shaheen Afridi is Pakistan’s only left-arm seamer and has looked lethal at times in the tournament. He bowled a magical delivery to knock over Rohit Sharma in the previous game and has scalped 12 wickets in just four ODIs against Bangladesh. 

Therefore, if Pakistan wish to tweak their bowling unit, they might drop either Haris Rauf or Naseem Shah against Bangladesh. Naseem’s disciplined bowling, as suggested by his economy of 5.55, might help him retain his place. Therefore, Rauf could make way for Mohammad Hasnain, who has warmed the bench so far in the tournament. 

Pakistan’s Strongest XI vs Bangladesh

Usman Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed

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