Pakistan’s cricket team is set to face Australia in the first ODI of their series, scheduled to take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 4. With a fresh lineup and new faces, the Green Shirts are looking to kick off their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In an exciting move, Saim Ayub and middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan are all set to make their ODI debuts. Pakistan’s squad shows four changes from their last ODI appearance at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, highlighting the management’s focus on introducing fresh talent and exploring different combinations.
Young opener Saim Ayub will take charge at the top, joining Abdullah Shafique to build a solid foundation. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan will add strength in the middle order, supported by star batter Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, and newcomer Muhammad Irfan Khan, who will aim to make a mark on his debut.
The bowling attack combines experience and pace, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf joined by Mohammad Hasnain, returning to the ODI squad after almost two years. Hasnain’s comeback comes on the heels of a remarkable performance in the Champions One-Day Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 17 wickets at an average of 16.17. He last played an ODI in January 2023, and his form in domestic cricket has earned him a well-deserved spot.
Kamran Ghulam also returns, having showcased impressive skills in his recent Test debut against England. In the domestic One-Day tournament, he was the second-highest run-scorer, further solidifying his place in Pakistan’s lineup.
Pakistan’s lineup blends youth and experience, and all eyes will be on how the team performs with a focus on nurturing talent for the future.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for the First ODI:
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain)
- Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
With this fresh lineup, Pakistan is ready to face Australia in what promises to be an exciting start to the series.
