As Imad Wasim passed the fitness test, it was pretty clear that he will walk into the side. It was all but confirmed that Azam Khan will be warming the benches after a golden duck against the USA as he has gone through a rough patch with the bat. In addition, he has not been impressive behind the stumps as well.
“Azam Khan is resting,” Pakistan skipper Babar Azam told Ravi Shastri after winning the toss and opting to field first in the overcast conditions at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
“We will bowl first because of the weather and moisture in the pitch. The conditions suit us, we have four fast bowlers. We will try to use it to our best. Past is past, we are looking forward to today's match, we are ready and will give our 100%. Always a big game, our confidence is always high for India versus Pakistan.”
Azam has struggled for form of late. He scored 21 runs against England in the two games from four-T20I series. He has just 88 runs from 13 innings at an average of 8.80. He has struggled against big teams and 48 of his T20I career runs came against Ireland last month.
On the other hand, left-arm spin all-rounder Wasim missed the previous clash due to side strain. He was a standout bowled in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which led to him taking a U-turn on retirement and earning a recall. Against England, he was impressive with three wickets in two games and a cameo in an unsuccessful run chase.
Pakistan’s Playing XI against India: Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam(c), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir
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