In order to give Mohammad Rizwan a much-needed respite, Shan Masood is expected to open the innings alongside skipper Babar Azam for Pakistan in the seven-match T20 International series against England.
According to a reliable source within the team management, Pakistan is prepared to play the first game of the series at the National Stadium in Karachi with a new opening partner in Babar.
Since more than a year ago, Babar and Rizwan have both routinely started Pakistan’s innings, and they have done so with great success.
Rizwan probably won’t be in the starting XI for the first T20I because he joined the team a little bit later.
In the first T20I against England, Babar & Shan would likely start Pakistan’s inning.
Rizwan is unlikely to participate in the opening period of the matches in Karachi. With the third or fourth T20I, he is anticipated to rejoin the squad, the source said.
When asked if Haider Ali might be included in the starting XI for the first T20, he responded that he might be perceived as playing with one less.
He will take the field in the opening T20 because the selectors wanted to put some of the backup players.
“The team from the Asia Cup final versus Sri Lanka barely eight days ago may have undergone some alterations.
Along with Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman will be absent from the starting XI. Fakhar has already been sent home from the series against England and has arrived in England for treatment.
Mohammad Wasim Jr., who was injured and missed the Asia Cup, is most likely to return to the starting XI.
