Pakistan announce 12-man squad for 1st T20I against Bangladesh

Pakistan played some brilliant cricket in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Babar Azam led the side admirably well as they remained unbeaten in the Super 12 stage but lost in the semi-final against Australia.  Soon after the loss, the team reached Bangladesh to prepare for the three-match T20I series with the first game to be played on November 19 (Friday).

Ever since Babar has taken over the mantle, the team has been exuding confidence announcing the playing XI or a 12-man squad 24 hours before the match. Pakistan have done the same ahead of the opening game on Friday. At least one change was expected in the line-up with Mohammad Hafeez deciding not to feature in the series in a bid to give chance to youngsters.

At least three changes could be expected to the playing XI that featured in the semi-final against Australia last week. Top three should remain the same for Pakistan with Mohammad Rizwan, Babar and Fakhar Zaman being included in the team. Asif Ali and Imad Wasim are not the part of the 12-man squad announced.

Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah included

Pakistan have decided to include Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim Jnr in their 12-man squad. Among them, Haider and Khushdil look certain to play with Hafeez and Asif missing. Both the players are known for their aggression with the bat while there could be a toss up between Nawaz and Wasim.

Nawaz is the like-for-like replacement for Imad Wasim as he can open the bowling and also bat at seven to give depth to the batting. There is also a chance of Pakistan going with an extra spinner if the pitches in Dhaka continue to be slow and low like they were during the bilateral series against Australia and New Zealand before the World Cup. In that case, Hasan Ali might have to make way for Wasim in the playing XI.

Pakistan’s 12-man squad for 1st T20I against Bangladesh: Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.