Pakistan Probable XI for 2nd Australia ODI

Pakistan heads into the must-win 2nd ODI against Australia with the hopes of keeping the series alive. The opening encounter was a nail-biter, with Pakistan losing by a narrow two-wicket margin. As the teams gear up for their clash at Adelaide Oval, Pakistan’s new white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, will look to bounce back and secure a win to level the series. Here’s a look at Pakistan’s probable XI, key players, and the team’s strategy for the 2nd ODI.

Pakistan’s Probable XI for 2nd ODI Against Australia

With a close loss in the opening game, Pakistan’s management is likely to stick with their best XI, making only minor adjustments if necessary. Below is the predicted lineup for Pakistan.

Opening Pair

• Abdullah Shafique: Despite getting out for just 12 in the last match, Abdullah Shafique is expected to open for Pakistan again. He’ll aim to improve his performance on a track that could be favorable for batters.
• Saim Ayub: Saim Ayub, who had a challenging start as an opener, is anticipated to get another opportunity. His aggressive batting style could be beneficial in the early overs at the Adelaide Oval.

Middle Order

• Babar Azam: Coming in at one-down, Babar Azam is a crucial part of Pakistan’s batting. After scoring a steady 37 in the last game, he will aim for a significant score to anchor Pakistan’s innings.
• Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper): Rizwan showcased his skill with a valuable 44 runs in the first ODI. As the captain and keeper, he plays a dual role, guiding the team while contributing with the bat.
• Kamran Ghulam: Although he only managed 5 runs in the first game, Kamran Ghulam will be an important part of the middle order. He brings prior form from recent series and will look to make an impact.

Lower Middle Order

• Agha Salman: Pakistan’s vice-captain didn’t make a big score in the last match, but his versatility makes him a key player in the lower middle order. He’ll aim for a comeback performance in Adelaide.
• Irfan Khan: Making his debut in the first ODI, Irfan went wicketless but displayed potential. Pakistan may keep him in the XI to add depth to the bowling attack, especially if they decide to play a specialist spinner.

Bowling Attack

• Shaheen Afridi: A reliable option for Pakistan, Shaheen scored 24 runs and picked up 2 wickets in the first game. His left-arm pace can be lethal with the new ball, especially on a pitch offering seam movement.
• Naseem Shah: Known for his pace, Naseem contributed 40 runs and took a wicket in the first match. He remains a vital part of Pakistan’s attack.
• Haris Rauf: Haris Rauf was Pakistan’s standout bowler with three wickets in the opening game. His experience in the death overs adds strength to Pakistan’s bowling unit.
• Mohammad Hasnain: Hasnain grabbed one wicket in the first ODI, and Pakistan is likely to retain him to add variety to their pace attack. His raw pace could challenge Australia’s batting lineup.

Key Players to Watch Out For

• Babar Azam: The batting-friendly conditions at Adelaide could help Babar break his recent rough patch. Known for his elegant stroke play, he’s expected to lead Pakistan’s scoring efforts.
• Shaheen Afridi: With his left-arm pace, Afridi could exploit early seam movement. He also demonstrated his all-round abilities in the first ODI, making him a crucial player.
• Haris Rauf: Rauf’s impressive three-wicket haul in the first game showed his effectiveness in containing runs. His role will be vital as Pakistan aims to limit Australia’s scoring.

Pakistan’s Strategy for the 2nd ODI

The Adelaide Oval pitch is known for its batting-friendly surface, though it offers early assistance to seamers. Pakistan may consider introducing a specialist spinner, given the pitch’s tendency to support spin as the game progresses. Adelaide’s short square boundaries can favor batsmen, so Pakistan’s bowlers will need to stay precise and avoid loose deliveries.

To win, Pakistan’s top order needs to step up. The opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will aim to provide a stable start, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will anchor the middle. Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah will focus on restricting Australia’s batting lineup, especially during the death overs.

FAQs

What is Pakistan’s probable playing XI for the 2nd ODI against Australia?
Pakistan’s likely lineup includes Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Kamran Ghulam, Agha Salman, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain.

Will Pakistan make any changes in the 2nd ODI playing XI?
Pakistan may introduce a specialist spinner for additional bowling variety. However, they are likely to stick with most players from the first ODI.

Who are the key players for Pakistan in the 2nd ODI?
Key players include Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. These players have shown consistency and will play important roles in the game.

What are Pakistan’s chances of winning the 2nd ODI against Australia?
Pakistan needs a strong batting performance to compete against Australia at Adelaide. Their bowlers will need to exploit any early seam and maintain control during the death ove