Pakistan has decided to make one change in their playing XI for the second T20I against Afghanistan in Sharjah. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf has been replaced by Mohammad Nawaz, considering the slow nature of the Sharjah pitch. Pakistan suffered a six-wicket loss to Afghanistan in the first T20I, and they will be looking to bounce back in the second game of the series.
Faheem Ashraf could only score two runs in the first T20I, and his bowling wasn’t utilized by the skipper, Shadab Khan. Former cricketer, Rashid Latif, had also called for the inclusion of all-rounder Nawaz in order to bolster Pakistan’s spin stocks.
Pakistan’s bowling was a major concern in the first T20I as they missed four overs of spin, which made a difference in the end. Rashid Latif emphasized the importance of having at least three spinners on a UAE pitch, and he suggested that one of Iftikhar or Nawaz should have been part of the playing XI.
Pakistan’s batting was also underwhelming in the first T20I as they could only manage to score 131 runs. Opener Fakhar Zaman was the only batsman who looked comfortable on the pitch, scoring 46 runs off 39 balls. The rest of the batsmen failed to make an impact, and Pakistan will need to improve their batting performance in the second T20I.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, put up a clinical performance in the first T20I, with their bowlers restricting Pakistan to a below-par score. Their spinners were particularly effective on the Sharjah pitch, and they will be looking to replicate their performance in the second game of the series.
The second T20I between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be played in Sharjah on Sunday, and both teams will be looking to clinch the series with a win. Pakistan will need to improve its batting and bowling performance to level the series, while Afghanistan will be looking to continue its winning momentum.