Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf - (Source: AFP)
After an embarrassing defeat in the first ODI, Pakistan look to avenge the loss and level the series on March 13 at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium when they lock horns against Bangladesh in the 2nd ODI. The Shaheen Afridi-led side are under immense pressure as they suffered their fourth biggest defeat in the fifty-over format.
Talking about the first ODI, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first. The decision turned out to be gold as Pakistan, batting first, crumbled for just 114 runs. The Men in Green handed included four debutants, and it did not go as planned.
Sabhibada Farhan got the start but seemed clueless to Nahid Rana’s brilliance, much like the rest of his teammates. Notably, the right-arm quick picked up a five-wicket haul and contained Pakistan to just 114 runs. In reply, Bangladesh got off to an aggressive start. Despite losing two wickets, the Tigers chased down the target comfortably in 16 overs courtesy of Tanzid Hasan’s fifty.
Following the defeat, Pakistan were under heavy scrutiny, and the fans were furious over the disappointing performance. Therefore, Pakistan are expected to make several changes for the 2nd ODI, and this article will shed light on that.
Pakistan probable playing XI Vs Bangladesh- 2nd ODI
Openers and top order: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hossain
In the opening slot, Pakistan doesn’t have many backup options to replace any at the top. Sahibzada Farhan scored 27 runs off 38 balls and couldn’t convert his start into a big score. Maaz Sadaqat, on the other hand, scored just 18 (28), which featured 3 fours. Therefore, despite the collapse in the first ODI, Pakistan are unlikely to make any changes to their top-order.
Shamly Hussain is also expected to play and given another opportunity to prove his mettle in the 2nd ODI. The youngster scored 4 (7). He averages 46.33 in List-A cricket, which is a good enough reason for the Men in Green to entrust the southpaw with another game.
Middle order and all-rounders: Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan(wk), Hussain Talat, Saad Masood, Faheem Ashraf
In the middle-order, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan will retain their place despite a shambolic show in 1st ODI. Rizwan scored 10 (20), while Agha returned to the pavilion for a low score of 5 (8).
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Now, Pakistan have a tough call to make, which is to make changes in the middle-order. Hussain Talat is likely to retain his place as he has PCB’s backing and the board looks at him as a future talent. Abdul Samad, who scored a duck in the first ODI, is most likely to make way for Saad Masood.
Saad Masood lacks experience and has played just three first-class matches. Further, Faheem Ashraf was the sole positive for Pakistan in the first ODI.
Ashraf scored 37 (47), which featured six fours and a solitary maximum.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf
In the bowling department, Pakistan will most likely make one change. Haris Rauf will return to the playing XI, replacing Mohammad Waseem Jr. The Sher-e-Bangla turf didn’t play as per expectations and was suiting the seamers.
Therefore, Pakistan are expected to bring in Haris Rauf, who can match Nahid Rana’s pace and can be Pakistan’s answer to Bangladesh’s Rana.
Rest, Shaheen Afridi will be there as he is the captain and Abrar Ahmed as the spin option because the surface will favour the spinners too.
Pakistan likely playing XI Vs Bangladesh- 2nd ODI:
Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hossain, Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan(wk), Hussain Talat, Saad Masood, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf
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