PAK vs AUS: Pakistan announce playing XI for first ODI against Australia

Pakistan has announced their lineup for the first ODI against Australia, scheduled for November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Young talents Saim Ayub and Muhammad Irfan Khan will make their ODI debuts, marking the start of Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The lineup for this match features four changes from Pakistan’s last ODI appearance in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Alongside the new debutants, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Hasnain make their return to the team after nearly two years.

Fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, who last played an ODI in January 2023, returns to the squad following his impressive performance in the Champions One-Day Cup, where he topped the wicket-taking charts with 17 dismissals in just six games at an average of 16.17. Kamran Ghulam also secured his spot with strong domestic performances, being the second-highest run-scorer in the same tournament. Ghulam, who recently made a notable Test debut, will now play only his second ODI after a two-year gap.

Debutant Saim Ayub is set to open the batting with Abdullah Shafique, followed by star batsman Babar Azam. The middle-order lineup includes captain Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, and debutant Irfan Khan, making for a well-rounded mix of experience and fresh energy.

In the bowling department, Pakistan will rely on a four-pronged pace attack featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain. Salman Ali Agha will provide the spin option, offering flexibility in the lineup.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for first ODI against Australia:

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain.