PAK Playing XI vs NZ 2nd ODI: Pakistan’s Strongest Playing XI for Today’s Match

PAK Playing XI vs NZ 2nd ODI: Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in the 2nd ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. After a one-sided T20I series, the ODI series has offered hope for a more competitive contest, especially with the return of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

However, despite their presence, Pakistan couldn’t turn the results in the opening game, and they will need to step up their game to bring the series level.

Pakistan’s bowlers showed promise in the first ODI but struggled with the fifth bowler option. The team must find a more effective way to plug that gap, especially with the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi. Can Pakistan bounce back and keep the series alive, or will New Zealand seal the trophy in Hamilton?

Let’s look at Pakistan’s predicted playing XI for the 2nd ODI against New Zealand.

Pakistan (PAK) Playing XI vs New Zealand (NZ) 2nd ODI

Top Order: Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c) (wk)

• Abdullah Shafique: Shafique has shown promise at the top of the order. His ability to adapt to conditions will be key in providing a strong foundation for Pakistan.

• Usman Khan – A solid top-order batter, Khan will need to make a bigger impact in this match after his performance in the previous ODI.

• Babar Azam – Pakistan’s most dependable batter, Babar will need to be at his best to anchor the innings and guide Pakistan’s chase. His consistency is vital for Pakistan to level the series.

• Mohammad Rizwan (c) (wk) – Rizwan, who captains the side and keeps wickets, will play an essential role in guiding the team. His experience and ability to lead from the front are crucial for Pakistan’s success.

Middle Order & All-rounders: Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir

• Salman Agha – Agha’s contributions with both bat and ball will be needed, especially in the middle overs. His off-spin is also vital in containing New Zealand’s attacking batters.

• Tayyab Tahir – Tahir, a promising batter, will look to solidify Pakistan’s middle order. This is an important chance for him to prove his potential at the international level.

Bowlers: Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali

• Irfan Khan – Irfan’s bowling will be crucial, but he must avoid giving away too many runs in the middle overs. His role as a bowler in the absence of Shaheen Afridi will be under scrutiny.

• Naseem Shah – The fast bowler will be key in providing breakthroughs early. Naseem’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds will help Pakistan create pressure on New Zealand’s top order.

• Haris Rauf – Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Rauf will need to deliver with the ball in the death overs. His pace and accuracy will be vital to restrict New Zealand’s scoring.

• Akif Javed – A promising young fast bowler, Akif Javed will look to make an impact with his pace and accuracy in his ODI debut series.

• Mohammad Ali – Another pacer who will be looking to prove himself at the international level, Ali can trouble the opposition with his pace and bounce.

Also, Check: NZ vs PAK 2nd ODI Match Preview – Pakistan Tour of New Zealand

Can Pakistan Bounce Back in the 2nd ODI?

After a one-sided T20I series, Pakistan had high hopes for the ODI series. However, despite Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s return, Pakistan failed to turn the results in the first ODI. They now need to elevate their performance in the second ODI to level the series.

The bowling attack showed promise, but Salman Agha and Irfan Khan’s combined ten overs cost 118 runs, and Pakistan needs to address this fifth-bowler gap with a more effective option. The series now moves to Hamilton, where New Zealand could secure the trophy with a win. If Pakistan doesn’t make their move in this game, it could be all over in just three days!

Will Pakistan find a way to bounce back and keep the series alive, or will New Zealand clinch the trophy early?

Stay tuned for more updates and fantasy tips in our NZ vs PAK 2nd ODI coverage.