Babar Azam & Pakistan Players (L) and Shan Masood (Source: AFP Photos)
Pakistan and the West Indies will face each other once again on Sunday (August 2) in the second and final Test of the two-match series. Port of Spain’s Queen's Park Oval, which had eight draws in Tests one after another before this fixture, will host the match.
The Men in Green, on the return of Babar Azam as Pakistan captain, failed to show their charisma at Brian Lara Stadium in the series opener. Even after putting a challenging total of 282 runs on the board in the first innings, they failed to even salvage a draw.
Pakistan Stumble In Second Innings Vs West Indies In 1st Test
Coming to chase 211, Pakistan could only muster 120 before falling like a pack of cards at regular intervals. Only Babar Azam remained not out on 58, while the others could not last long at the other end. Mohammad Abbas, who came to bat at No. 11, had the second-best score, with a gritty 23-run knock.
With the series on the line, Pakistan could make a good number of changes in their playing XI vs West Indies in the coming fixture. What could be the possibilities? Let’s take a look at the Pakistan predicted playing XI vs West Indies for the second Test.
Openers: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique
Imam-ul-Haq, who made 63 in the first innings against West Indies, will surely build his place. He, in all likelihood, will be accompanied by Abdullah Shafique.
Shafique joined the Pakistan squad later, and the way Azan Awais batted in the 1st Test across both innings, the Babar Azam-led side would like to replace him with someone experienced at the top.
Middle-Order: Salman Agha, Babar Azam (C), Saud Shakeel, Awais Zafar
As Shan Masood is unavailable for selection, Pakistan have to make a few tweaks in their middle order. In an ideal scenario, Salman Agha should bat at No. 3, given that he has previous experience of batting there in white-ball cricket.
Babar Azam should bat at his preferred No. 4, while Saud Shakeel, who loves to bat at No. 5, will be there directly in the playing XI after joining the squad late.
The No. 6 role can be given to Awais Zafar, who gave up batting after making 64 in Pakistan’s second innings during the warm-up match against West Indies Select XI.
Wicket-Keeper & Spinner: Mohammad Rizwan, Sajid Khan
For wicket-keeping duties, Mohammad Rizwan is expected to keep his role, leaving Ghazi Ghori on the bench. However, Aamer Jamal, who had little impact with the bat and ball, could be replaced by Sajid Khan, their go-to spinner who can be handy with the bat as well at No. 8.
With Awais Zafar coming in, Pakistan might not need Ali Usman either, as Queen’s Park Oval traditionally helps spinners, and they do need someone who can be more impactful and reliable.
Pacers: Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali
Even though Ubaid Shah, Naseem’s brother, is in Pakistan’s squad for West Indies Tests, the three frontline pacers – Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali – were impressive in both innings for Pakistan in the first Test.
Therefore, expect them to keep their places in the must-win match against West Indies.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI Vs West Indies
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha, Babar Azam (C), Saud Shakeel, Awais Zafar, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Sajid Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali
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