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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan have revealed their Playing XI for the first One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series against Australia at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Saturday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the line-up on their social media accounts just minutes before the toss, confirming that all-rounder Arafat Minhas will be making his ODI debut today.
Additionally, young wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, who previously debuted against Bangladesh as a specialist batter, will be donning the gloves in the absence of experienced Mohammad Rizwan, who has been dropped from the ODI side.
Sahibzada Farhan will open the innings with the dynamic top-order batter Maaz Sadaqat, followed by Babar Azam batting at number three.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, along with Ghouri and Abdul Samad, will strengthen the middle order, followed by all-rounders Shadab Khan and Minhas.
Notably, Khan is playing his first ODI today since November 2023, when he faced England during the ICC World Cup 2023.
Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pace bowling attack, supported by Haris Rauf, while Abrar Ahmed will serve as the sole specialist spinner in the team.
Pakistan Playing XI: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Pakistan and Australia have clashed in a total of 111 One Day International (ODI) matches. The Australian side has emerged dominant, claiming victory in an impressive 71 encounters. Meanwhile, Pakistan has managed to win 36 games. Interestingly, four games ended without a result, and one thrilling match concluded in a tie.
Matches 111, Australia 71, Pakistan 36, No Result 3, Tie 1
It’s worth noting that the ongoing ODI series is Australia’s first 50-over bilateral tour of Pakistan since 2022, when the hosts secured a 2-1 series victory.
READ: Shaheen Afridi breaks silence on Mohammad Rizwan’s ODI future
