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Pakistan likely playing XI for second T20I against England

Mohammad Rizwan is set to open the innings alongside either Usman Khan or Saim Ayub

Pakistan likely playing XI for second T20I against England PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan's cricket team is gearing up for the second T20 International (T20I) of the four-match series against England, set to take place in Birmingham on Saturday.

During a press conference ahead of first T20 in Leeds, which was washed out, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, announced that he will bat at the number three position. Consequently, Mohammad Rizwan is set to open the innings alongside either Usman Khan or Saim Ayub.

The middle order comprises powerful hitters like Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan who will don the wicketkeeping gloves, Iftikhar Ahmed, and all-rounder Imad Wasim, offering the team a solid foundation for scoring runs and accelerating the innings when required.

Leading Pakistan's pace attack will be Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, with Haris Rauf, returning from injury, potentially stepping in for Mohammad Amir to demonstrate his fitness and garner essential game time.

Abrar Ahmed is also expected to get a chance to showcase his T20 prowess under the team management's watchful eye.

Pakistan’s likely XI:

Saim Ayub/Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed