Pakistan announce pace-dominated lineup for first Australia ODI
Babar Azam eyes elusive series win Down Under
Visitors opt for four fast bowlers in bid to exploit Perth conditions
Pakistan have announced a pace-dominated lineup for the first One-Day International (ODI) against Australia in Perth on Tuesday, with four fast bowlers included in the playing XI.
The visitors have opted to field Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Shaheen Afridi in their bowling attack, while all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz provides the spin option.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam will be hoping to lead his team to a series win in Australia for the first time since 2010. However, they face a tough challenge against a strong Australian side led by Pat Cummins.
Pakistan's bowling attack
Pakistan's bowling attack is one of the most potent in world cricket, with the likes of Afridi, Rauf, and Wasim Jr. all capable of bowling at speeds in excess of 150 kilometers per hour.
Afridi, in particular, has been in impressive form in recent months, taking 22 wickets in his last 10 ODIs.
Naseem Shah is another exciting young fast bowler who has impressed at international level. The 19-year-old has taken 35 wickets in 15 ODIs and is likely to play a key role in Pakistan's attack in Perth.
Pakistan's batting lineup
Pakistan's batting lineup is led by Babar Azam, who is currently ranked as the number-one ODI batsman in the world.
Azam has been in excellent form in recent months, scoring 1,044 runs in his last 15 ODIs, including eight centuries.
Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will provide support to Azam at the top of the order, while Mohammad Rizwan will bat in the middle order.
Key matchup
The key matchup in the first ODI will be between Pakistan's pace attack and Australia's top order.
Australia have a number of dangerous batsmen in their lineup, including David Warner, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne.
If Pakistan's bowlers can make early inroads into Australia's batting order, they will give themselves a great chance of winning the match.
