England v Pakistan, 1st ODI: Pakistan Predicted XI

The first ODI between England and Pakistan will kick off at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Pakistan will be looking to assert their dominance in the One-Day format after having impressed in the Test series. The fact that they dominated over Ireland also goes on to make them a formidable opposition. That said, here is the probable XI for Pakistan in their first ODI against England. Sharjeel Khan Following his massive 152 off just 86 deliveries in his first ODI against Ireland, Sharjeel Khan has seemingly answered a plethora of questions about staying in the Pakistan side for years to come. Mohammad Hafeez Although Hafeez had a torrid time with the bat in the Test series, his presence in the Pakistan squad will go on to add a certain amount of value. He is a 35-year old veteran and will add solidity to the batting unit. Azhar Ali Azhar Ali is an automatic selection in the side as he is the captain. However, with solidity in the spine of the Pakistan batting unit clearly lacking in ODI cricket, Azhar will be the one required to provide the spine for them. Babar Azam The right-handed batsman is yet to make a case for himself in the limited-overs’ squad. However, he will be an automatic pick as he adds some solidity to a brittle middle order. Also read – Eng v Pak 1st ODI Preview – Pakistan keen on carrying the momentum in ODIs Shoaib Malik The former Pakistan skipper has found somewhat of a renewed importance in the side. At 34 and almost at the twilight of his career, Malik’s role in the squad is quite simple – To add experience to the lineup, and guide players batting around him. Sarfraz Ahmed (WK) Similar to most of the players in the squad, the newly appointed T20I skipper of Pakistan is yet another important member of the squad. The 30-year old is known to make crucial and quick runs lower down the order. Imad Wasim Imad Wasim impressed one and all with figures of 5/14 in the first ODI against Ireland. In spite of the presence of Mohammad Nawaz in the squad, it is clear that Wasim has the upper hand in the spot. Also read – Pakistan topping the ranking chart is a proud moment for whole nation: Waqar Younis Umar Gul Once a spearhead of the Pakistan bowling attack, Umar Gul is back in the squad in what many perceive as his swansong. He will be expected to play a similar role as that of Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez. Yasir Shah The 30-year old leg-spinner has fallen off the pace since his irresistible performance in the first Test match at Lord’s. Having been rested for the subsequent tour of Ireland, a rejuvenated Yasir will most certainly be expected. Mohammad Amir Mohammad Amir is perhaps the most important bowler in the grand scheme of things as far as the Pakistan bowling attack is concerned. The 24-year old is slowly nearing his best and is proving to be extremely difficult to face. Wahab Riaz The 31-year old is perhaps the senior-most bowler in the Pakistan bowling attack at the moment. Similar to the bowlers of yesteryear, Riaz has the ability to strike terror and fear into the bowlers.

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England v Pakistan, 1st ODI: Pakistan Predicted XI

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