New Delhi: Pakistan secured a thrilling seven-wicket victory over South Africa to seal the three-match home series by 2-1 on Saturday. Under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi Pakistan is gearing up for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at home with full of confidence. Pakistan showed their dominance in the decider against South Africa thoroughly outplaying the visitors to register a convincing win. With the series against Sri Lanka coming up lets look at their likely playing XI for the opener at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 11. Pakistans pacer Naseem Shah featured in the first two ODIs but was excluded form the playing XI in the series decider. The 22-year-old delivered an outstanding performance with the ball especially in the first ODI taking three wickets for 40 runs in 9.1 overs and playing a key role in Pakistans thrilling win. Naseem Shah to return into the playing XI With Pakistan resting him for the decider Haris Rauf made his ODI comeback but went wicketless and conceded 17 runs in three overs. As Pakistan aim to start strong against Sri Lanka and gain momentum in the series they are expected to field their strongest XI bringing Naseem Shah back into the playing combination. Naseem Shah along with captain Shaheen Afridi forms a formidable pace-bowling pair capable of testing the Sri Lankan batters with their pace and movement. In this setup the third seamer spot could be a close call between Faheem Ashraf and Haris Rauf with Ashraf likely edging out Rauf thanks to his all-round abilities. Fakhar Zaman has been struggling with his form recently Fakhar Zaman started the ODI series on a positive note against South Africa as he scored crucial 45 runs in the first match. However his form declined in the following games as he was dismissed for consecutive ducks. Fakhar Zaman has been struggling with his form in ODIs this year as he has scored 204 runs at a modest average of 29.14. Pakistan might continue to back Fakhar Zaman and let him open alongside Saim Ayub given the lack of a strong reserve option for the top order. While Haseebullah Khan is part of the squad he may have to wait for his opportunity. Babar Azam also failed to perform Babar Azam also failed to perform in the three-match ODI series against South Africa as he managed to score only 45 runs across three innings. The upcoming series against Sri Lanka presents a perfect chance for him to rediscover his form and prove his critics wrong. Meanwhile Saim Ayub and Agha Salman who impressed with their performances against South Africa are likely to retain their roles as Pakistan’s spin all-rounders alongside Mohammad Nawaz. Abrar Ahmed who claimed seven wickets—including a four-wicket haul in the decider across two innings—will lead the spin attack as the frontline spinner. Pakistans predicted playing XI: Fakhar Zaman Saim Ayub Babar Azam Mohammad Rizwan (WK) Agha Salman Hussain Talat Mohammad Nawaz Faheem Ashraf Shaheen Afridi (C) Naseem Shah Abrar Ahmed
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