Haris Rauf OUT, 2 Players IN: Pakistan's Likely XI For 3rd ODI vs New Zealand

Haris Rauf OUT, 2 Players IN: Pakistan's Likely XI For 3rd ODI vs New Zealand (Source: AP)

Pakistan will play for pride when they take on New Zealand in the third ODI at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The New Zealand tour has been a nightmare for Pakistan. The Men in Green took a bold move and named a very young squad for the T20I series, however, the team was hammered by the Kiwis 4-1. Barring a shock win in the third T20I, where the team chased 205, Pakistan struggled to stay competitive in the series.

The team was expected to perform better in the ODIs, with seniors Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan returning to the side, but the fate didn't change, and the team suffered defeats in the first two games. Pakistan have nothing to lose in the final ODI, and they could come out and play positive cricket, and who knows, they may pull one back.

The team could make a few changes in the XI to test what combination works best for them. Abdullah Shafique hasn't got runs in the first two games, but he should be able to retain his place in the side given that he has a lot of potential, and could be an asset in the long run. Imam ul Haq, however, might be left out, with Babar Azam opening the batting. Irfan Khan can be slotted in at three, followed by Mohammad Rizwan at four. Salman Agha and Faheem Ashraf should be the next batters. Tayyab Tahir hasn't done justice to his potential but Pakistan should persist with him as there are no replacements available. Naseem Shah replaced Haris Rauf as a concussion substitute in the previous game, and he should play ahead of Rauf in the third ODI. Mohammad Wasim and Akif Javed should be the other pacers, while Sufiyan Muqeem should be the specialist spinner.

Pakistan Likely Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Akif Javed, Mohammad Wasim, Sufiyan Muqeem

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