Pakistan have announced a 12-man squad for the first T20 fixture against Bangladesh with fast bowler Hassan Ali making a place in the squad.
The first T20 International is scheduled to be played between the two teams at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Two of the players have not been included in the final squad as the selectors have decided to rest Asif Ali and Imad Wasim for the first game. Previously, ‘the Professor’ Muhammad Hafeez announced to withdraw from the Bangladesh tour.
The second and third T20s of the series will be played at the same venue on November 20 and 22, said the PCB.
Fast bowler Hassan Ali who was hammered by the Australian batsmen in the recently-concluded World Cup semi-final and also dropped a crucial catch was succeeded in retaking his place in the Pakistani team.
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik.
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Meanwhile, Bangla Tigers rest Mushfiqur Rahim for the limited-over series against Green Shirts.
Pakistan played some brilliant cricket in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Babar Azam led the side admirably well as they remained unbeaten in the Super 12 stage but lost in the semi-final against Australia. Soon after the loss, the team had reached Bangladesh to prepare for the three-match T20I series with the first game to be played on November 19 (Friday).
Ever since Babar has taken over the mantle, the team has been exuding confidence announcing the playing XI or a 12-man squad 24 hours before the match. Pakistan have done the same ahead of the opening game on Friday. At least one change was expected in the line-up with Mohammad Hafeez deciding not to feature in the series in a bid to give chance to youngsters.
At least three changes could be expected to the playing XI that featured in the semi-final against Australia last week. Top three should remain the same for Pakistan with Mohammad Rizwan, Babar and Fakhar Zaman being included in the team. Asif Ali and Imad Wasim are not the part of the 12-man squad announced.
Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah included
Pakistan have decided to include Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim Jnr in their 12-man squad. Among them, Haider and Khushdil look certain to play with Hafeez and Asif missing. Both the players are known for their aggression with the bat while there could be a toss-up between Nawaz and Wasim.
Nawaz is the like-for-like replacement for Imad Wasim as he can open the bowling and also bat at seven to give depth to the batting. There is also a chance of Pakistan going with an extra spinner if the pitches in Dhaka continue to be slow and low like they were during the bilateral series against Australia and New Zealand before the World Cup. In that case, Hasan Ali might have to make way for Wasim in the playing XI.
