Pakistan name squad ahead of match against India

 

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan’s coach Mickey Arthur on Saturday announced a 12-member squad ahead of the team’s clash against arch rival India.

“Fast bowler Junaid Khan, middle order batsman Haris Sohail and top order player Fakhar Zaman will sit on the bench and won't play the match,” Pakistan`s Coach Mickey Arthur said. "We have finalised 12, will decide on final 11 in the morning after having a look at the wicket," Arthur told media at Edgbaston.

Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Ahmed Shahzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Fahim Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz.

 

Middle-order batsman Faheem Ashraf is expected to make his debut against India.

There is likely to be a tie between Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf for inclusion in final 11 for the big match on Super Sunday, however, a possible overcast condition will make Ashraf favourite to make his ODI debut tomorrow.

Arthur said that team Pakistan have prepared their strategy against Kohli-led India.

Pakistan ´completely calm´ ahead of India clash : Arthur

Arthur told reporters at Edgbaston:

Pakistan will do something out of the box against India: Sarfraz

Pakistan skipper says the team has prepared a plan to overpower India’s batting line

Speaking at the news conference, skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed said that the pressure tomorrow will be on India rather than Pakistan.

“We are a number 8 team. There is no pressure on us, people will be seeing us playing modern cricket,” he said. “Shoaib Malik and Muhammad Hafeez have shared their experiences with the young Pakistani players.”

Sarafarz Ahmed also said that as Wahab Riaz is a senior strike bowler, he was given priority over Junaid Khan.