Pakistan’s Probable XI for Champions Trophy 2017

Opening – Shehzad, Hafeez Pakistan is the possibly the only team which has fewest options for their batting. Same goes for the opening. Even if they want to make some change for these two opening batsmen, they don’t have any other opening batsman. Ahmed Shehzad only played 5 matches in the 2016-17 season and scored just 100 runs but he had a terrific PSL 2 season so that might earn him a place in the team. Mohammad Hafeez is having a wonderful season. He has played 12 matches in this season and scored 490 runs with an average of 40. Apart from opening the innings, Hafeez would be a good choice as a bowler too.

Middle Order – Babar Azam, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed Babar Azam is going through a golden phase. He has smashed five tons in the last year scoring total 1092 runs with an average of 60. If Shehzad fails as an opener, Babar Azam could be the second choice. Umar Akmal has played only 5 matches but he has an average of 32 in these matches with the help of unbeaten century. He will be the key player for Pakistan to build a partnership in the middle order. With the good performance in PSL 2, Malik will definitely get his name on the team sheet. Sarfraz Ahmed will play as the wicket-keeper.

All-rounders – Imad Wasim

Bowlers – Shadab Khan, Amir, Riaz, Hassan Ali Shadab Khan does not have any experience in international cricket but he has played very well in PSL 2 so he might get a chance. He has played 12 matches in PSL and took 19 wickets. More importantly, he has an economy of just 5.6 in those matches. Conditions of England will surely support the fast bowlers and a bowler like Amir who can swing the ball would be a trump card for Pakistan. Riaz and Hassan Ali would be the key bowlers for the last 10 overs while Amir would open the attack.