Pakistan suffered a big blow to their T20 World Cup 2024 ambitions as the former champions went down to USA in the super over, in their first match of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The upset in Dallas has led the Pakistan think-tank to go back to the drawing board. It is reported that Gary Kirsten and the management are set to make at least one change to the playing XI from the one that played against USA.
As Pakistan try to get their World Cup back on track, they will be faced with arch-rivals India in a high-voltage encounter in New York on June 9.
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Will Pakistab bring Saim Ayub in place of Azam Khan for India game?
Young opener Saim Ayub is reportedly set to replace Azam Khan in Pakistan's playing XI for the World Cup match against India. Since he is a left-hander, Ayub gives Pakistan some variety and the option to bring in a left-right opening combination.
And the reported sacrifice for Ayub's inclusion? It may well be Azam Khan.
Azam Khan was dismissed for a golden duck against USA, and did not even keep the wickets in the run chase. With little contribution in a heavy loss, Gary Kirsten has reportedly made-up his mind to drop Azam Khan to the bench.
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What is Azam Khan's record for Pakistan in T20Is?
The son of former Pakistan international Moin Khan, Azam Khan has made 14 appearances in the T20I format. Out of those, he has been dismissed without troubling the scores on four occasions and is yet to cross the 100-run mark in his career.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Ducks | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 13 | 88 | 8.80 | 133.33 | 4 | 30* |
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What is Saim Ayub's record for Pakistan in T20Is?
Saim Ayub, as a replacement for Azam Khan, isn't much of an improvement. Ayub has been dismissed for a duck on three occasions, and averages only 15 in 19 innings. Like Azam Khan, Ayub also is yet to score a half-century in international cricket.
If selected, Ayub is likely bat as an opener while skipper Babar Azam could take the number three spot.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Ducks | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 19 | 286 | 15.05 | 127.67 | 3 | 49 |
When is the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash?
The India vs Pakistan clash will be held in New York on June 09, Sunday. The two arch-rivals will take the field at the Nassau County Stadium at 10:30 AM (Local Time) - 08:00 PM IST.
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