ENG vs PAK, 1st T20I: PSL star Azam Khan likely to make debut, Mohammad Nawaz to replace Shadab Khan – Pakistan team mangement is likely to hand wicket-keeper batsman Azam khan his debut cap in the first T20I match against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Friday. Azam has consistently performed in the Pakistan Super League’s last two seasons. The right-hand explosive batsman can be the solution to Pakistan’s middle-order problem.
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 14, 2021
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The 22-year-old has played 40 T20 matches in which he has struck the ball at 153. However, there is still a question mark on his fitness. Azam Khan’s father, Moin Khan was a former Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman.
Meanwhile, Sohaib Maqsood who also bats in the middle order could be given chance in the first T20I. Maqsood was the player of the tournament in the PSL 2021.
Also Read:ENG vs PAK T20: Can Pakistan pull off a comeback after ODI whitewash?
Out of form, Shadab Khan could be replaced by all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz while veteran Mohammad Hafeez is likely to make a return in the side.
Babar Azam’s Pakistan side were thrashed by Ben Stokes second-string England team in the ODI series 3-0. Now the Men in Green will aim to bounce back in the T20I series.
🗣️ “The series is crucial for us as it will help us understand where we are placed as a team for this year’s ICC T20 World Cup.”
▶️ Mohammad Hafeez hopes to repeat last year’s T20I series’ heroics
Read more: https://t.co/AUMPSZ4dOR
Full video: https://t.co/y7c6OsRfr0#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/yx5DPBSZYh— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 15, 2021
ENG vs PAK 1st T20I – Pakistan Probable XI
Opener: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman
Middle Order: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Hafeez, Sohaib Maqsood, Azam Khan,
All-rounder: Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali