Pakistan have released spinner Sufiyan Muqeem from the ongoing ODI Tri-series squad ahead of the Lahore leg. Muqeem, who did not play any of the games in the series due to his illness, will play domestic cricket, making way for top-order batter Maaz Sadaqat.
Maaz Sadaqat was not part of the ODI series as Pakistan stuck to their regular opening pair, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. The young batter made his ODI debut against Bangladesh earlier this year, when both Saim and Fakhar missed the tour due to injuries. He was also a part of Pakistan’s squad for home ODIs against Australia in June. In total, Maaz played six games, scoring at an average of 23.
Sufiyan Muqeem released ahead of Lahore leg
“Left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem has been released from the Pakistan men’s squad, keeping in view the nature of Lahore pitches,” the PCB stated.
“He will return to play domestic cricket,” the statement added.
Maaz can be slotted in to replace players with minor injuries in their remaining two games. Pakistan are currently unbeaten in the tri-series and have gone through to the final after defeating England twice and Sri Lanka once.
“Left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat has been added to the squad as cover for players carrying minor niggles,” the PCB stated.
Pakistan’s top order struggles ahead of final
The contributions from Pakistan’s top order have been dismal, to say the least. The top-three batters have scored at an average of just 15 across three games so far. The hosts could look to get Maaz in at one of the opening spots in the next game, where the stakes would be relatively lower given that they have already qualified for the final.
Updated Pakistan ODI Tri-Series squad
Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Maaz Sadaqat.
ALSO READ:
Shaheen against dropping Saim, Fakhar despite form struggles- IPL