Babar Azam Returns As Pakistan Announce Playing XI for First ODI Against Australia

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Pakistan has announced its lineup for the first of three ODIs against Australia, set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 4. Following Australia’s lineup reveal, Pakistan’s selection committee confirmed their playing XI on Sunday, November 3, with a few exciting changes to watch for in this series opener.

Debut for Muhammad Irfan Khan, Hasnain Returns

One of the highlights of Pakistan’s lineup is the debut of 21-year-old Muhammad Irfan Khan, who will strengthen the middle order. The young batter has already appeared in three T20Is this year and has been rewarded for his consistent domestic performances with an ODI call-up. Playing at the MCG will be a significant milestone for him as he aims to make an impact in his debut series.

Additionally, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain makes a comeback to the ODI squad, returning to the side for the first time since January 2023 when he last played against New Zealand. His pace adds further depth to an already formidable all-pace attack, joining established bowlers like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.

Pakistan’s Playing XI Set to Bring Pace Power

Pakistan’s lineup showcases a strong pace unit, with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf forming the core of the bowling attack, supported by Hasnain. This pace-heavy approach underscores Pakistan’s strategy to challenge the Australian batters on their home ground with aggressive bowling.

In the batting order, Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the innings, providing a promising start for Pakistan. Babar Azam, batting at No. 3, will anchor the innings, while Mohammad Rizwan, who has been newly appointed as captain and will also keep wickets, follows at No. 4. Middle-order stability will be further bolstered by Kamran Ghulam and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha.

Here’s Pakistan’s complete playing XI for the MCG ODI:

• Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub
• Middle Order: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha
• Lower Order: Muhammad Irfan Khan
• Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain

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