Pakistan to Field Unchanged XI for Second ODI Against Australia
Pakistan is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup for the second One-Day International (ODI) against Australia in Adelaide on Friday. Despite discussions about introducing left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram, the pitch conditions favor pacers.
According to a source close to the team, Pakistan will likely field the same XI that narrowly lost the first match in Melbourne by two wickets. The pace attack will comprise Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah, who has been cleared to play after a minor strain in the first match.
Pakistan will rely on part-time spinners Agha Salman, Saim Ayub, and Kamran Ghulam, who did not bowl in the opening ODI. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will retain their roles, while all eyes will be on Babar Azam, who has been struggling for form.
Despite speculation about replacing Mohammad Hasnain with all-rounder Aamer Jamal, the team management believes it would be premature to drop Hasnain after just one game, especially considering his extended absence from international cricket.