Pakistan faces selection challenges as depleted Australia eyes redemption in T20Is

After clinching the ODI series victory over Australia, Pakistan will carry strong momentum into the upcoming T20I series, set to commence Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane.

The T20I series, consisting of three matches, will be Pakistan's first since the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, where they suffered a disappointing exit, failing to make it past the group stage.

Pakistan's current T20 squad for the Australia series features only seven players from that World Cup team.

Apart from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan is the only other batter who retained his spot despite a subpar performance in the T20 World Cup.

Usman’s selection is largely due to his recent impressive domestic form, having emerged as the top scorer in September's Champions One Day Cup.

Usman Khan in action during the Champions One Day Cup in September, 2024.PCB

Pakistan’s bowling mainstays Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abbas Afridi — who also participated in the World Cup — will lead the attack in this series.

A key alteration in the bowling lineup is the inclusion of Jahandad Khan, filling the slot of Mohammad Hasnain from the ODI series.

Left-arm spin all-rounder Arafat Minhas was included in Pakistan’s ODI squad but didn’t get a chance to play. He’s also part of the T20 squad. Left arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem brings another slow-bowling option; however, with Pakistan’s success using fast bowlers and Minhas available as a spin choice, Muqeem might struggle to secure a spot in the playing XI.

Challenges in batting order selection

Pakistan’s batting lineup for the T20 series presents selection challenges, with a wealth of top-order batters available. New players such as Sahibzada Farhan, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Haseebullah add depth and potential, while experienced batters Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam will continue to anchor the lineup.

Peshawar Zalmi's Haseebullah scored a 29-ball fifty on his PSL debut against the Karachi Kings in 2023.PCB

Despite showing promising form in the ODI series, Saim Ayub was not included in the T20 series due to his lackluster World Cup showing. Rizwan is likely to open the innings, potentially alongside one of the new faces, while Babar is expected to take up the number three position, a role he played toward the end of the T20 World Cup.

Usman, experienced in playing across the middle order for Pakistan and in domestic leagues, is likely to take on the number four slot in the absence of Fakhar Zaman.

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, included in Pakistan's T20I squad for the first time, is expected to occupy the fifth spot, with Irfan Khan Niazi adding middle-order power at number six.

Bowling strategy

With overcast conditions anticipated in Brisbane, Pakistan is likely to favor a pace-heavy approach. The reliable trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf is expected to lead the pace attack.

For added depth, either Jahandad Khan or Abbas Afridi could step in as a pace bowling all-round option at number seven. Given the conditions, Pakistan may opt for an extra pacer rather than a specialist spinner.If needed, spin options Arafat Minhas and Salman Ali Agha can supplement the quick bowlers. However, Muqeem may get a chance in Sydney, where spin-friendly conditions are anticipated for the second T20I.

Home team’s depleted squad

On the Australian side, wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis will debut as Australia’s 14th men’s T20 captain, fresh off his captaincy in the third ODI against Pakistan in Perth.

Australia, prioritizing their preparations for the forthcoming Test series against India, will field an understrength side with star pacers Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, and Josh Hazlewood absent. Inglis remains the sole member of Australia’s Test squad scheduled to play in the T20 series.

In place of the missing bowlers, Australia will rely on emerging talent including Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott and experienced pacer Nathan Ellis to lead their bowling attack.

The Australians recently played six T20 matches in the UK, securing a 3-0 series win over Scotland and splitting the series 1-1 against England. Bartlett, who hopes to feature in front of a home crowd at the Gabba, views this opportunity as a milestone in his career.

Australia's Xavier Bartlett in action in the first T20I against Scotland in Edinburgh in September, 2024.AFP

“It’s a dream come true to play for Australia, even more so on my home ground in Brisbane,” Bartlett said on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of making the most of every opportunity, especially when stepping up in the absence of the regular squad members.

Aussies seek redemption

Coming off a loss to Pakistan in the ODI series, Australia’s squad is eager for redemption. Bartlett admitted that while Pakistan played exceptional cricket, the Australian team is intent on learning from the series defeat and carrying that momentum into the T20s.

“We’re looking to strike early and take wickets up front, which can make a huge difference,” he said, reflecting on the team’s strategy to bounce back.

The Gabba is anticipated to host around 20,000 fans for the opening T20 match, although unpredictable Brisbane weather, with rain and storms in the forecast, could impact attendance.

The Australian squad has also seen some last-minute changes. Josh Philippe has been called up to replace the injured Cooper Connolly, who sustained a hand fracture during the third ODI.

Power hitter Tim David will bolster the middle order, joining forces with Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who both aim to improve on their performances after an underwhelming ODI series.

Australia’s T20 openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, under criticism for their aggressive yet inconsistent approach during the ODIs, have the opportunity to redeem themselves.

Former cricketer Ian Healy voiced concerns over their attacking approach in the ODIs, but the T20 format allows them to maintain an aggressive style where they have historically thrived.

As Pakistan looks to end their tour of Australia on a high note with another series win, the Australians are equally determined to regroup despite the absence of their seasoned players.

Pakistan’s morale will be high after their ODI series victory, while Australia will be relying on emerging talent and home conditions to tip the balance in their favor.

Squads

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abbas Afridi, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan

Australia: Josh Inglis (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa