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Pakistan will face England in the second match of the ODI tri-series 2026 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 20. The hosts will enter the contest with confidence after defeating Sri Lanka by 37 runs in their tournament opener. With England beginning their campaign, Shaheen Shah Afridi and his men will aim to secure another victory and strengthen their chances of reaching the final.
Pakistan have named a 16-member squad for the competition, with Shaheen leading the side. The squad includes experienced campaigners such as Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, alongside emerging talents Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz. Following their successful start, Pakistan could stick with a largely unchanged combination against England.
Here’s Pakistan’s Predicted XI for 2nd ODI against England:
1. Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman is expected to open the innings and provide Pakistan with an aggressive start. His ability to attack the new ball and score quickly in the powerplay makes him an important part of the team’s plans. However, after a relatively quiet outing against Sri Lanka, the left-hander will be eager to convert his start into a substantial score.
2. Saim Ayub
Saim Ayub is likely to partner Fakhar at the top. The left-handed batter can put pressure on England’s bowlers with his stroke play and ability to find gaps. His role will be particularly important in establishing a strong platform before the middle overs, especially against England’s seamers.
3. Babar Azam
Babar Azam is expected to occupy the No. 3 position. The former Pakistan captain brings stability and experience to the batting order and can anchor the innings while allowing the stroke-makers around him to play freely. His battle against England’s new-ball attack could prove crucial in determining Pakistan’s scoring rate during the first half of the innings.
4. Saad Baig (wicketkeeper)
Saad Baig is predicted to retain the wicketkeeping role and bat at No. 4. The youngster provides Pakistan with another left-handed option and an opportunity to build experience at the international level. His responsibility will be to maintain the momentum established by the top order while ensuring the innings does not lose direction after a wicket.
5. Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha is likely to bat at No. 5 after an outstanding century against Sri Lanka. His 107 off 90 deliveries helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 305 runs in their opening fixture. The all-rounder combines composure with attacking intent and could again be the key figure if England manage to dismiss the openers early.
6. Hasan Nawaz
Hasan Nawaz is expected to provide additional firepower in the middle order. His aggressive approach makes him a useful option against both pace and spin. Pakistan will want him to turn a promising start into a meaningful contribution and accelerate during the final 15 overs.
7. Arafat Minhas
Arafat Minhas could retain his place as a spin-bowling all-rounder. His presence offers Pakistan flexibility with both bat and ball, allowing the captain to adjust the bowling combination according to the conditions.
8. Faheem Ashraf
Faheem Ashraf is predicted to feature as the pace-bowling all-rounder. He contributed with the ball against Sri Lanka and offers useful batting depth. His ability to deliver in the middle and death overs could be valuable against England’s deep batting lineup.
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain)
Shaheen will lead Pakistan’s bowling attack and look to strike early with the new ball. His left-arm angle, swing and ability to deliver yorkers make him a major threat. He will also have to manage his bowling resources carefully against England’s aggressive batters.
10. Naseem Shah
Naseem Shah is expected to partner Shaheen with the new ball. His pace and ability to generate movement can trouble England’s top order. If Pakistan secure early wickets, Naseem’s role in keeping the pressure on through the middle overs will become equally important.
11. Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf is likely to complete the pace attack. Known for his speed and variations, he can be particularly effective at the death. His ability to restrict England’s scoring during the closing overs could determine whether Pakistan defend their total successfully.
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