Haris, Ahsan likely to make playing XI

ISLAMABAD: Pacer Haris Rauf and opening batsman Ahsan Ali are likely to make international debut as chances of their inclusion in the playing XI for the opening of the three-match T20 series against Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium are bright.

A team official told ‘The News’ that both have been given a green signal to get ready for the opening match.

“Both Ahsan and Haris are likely to make their debut for Pakistan today (Friday). Both have never played for the country in any international match neither they have ever been part of the touring party. Both have been told to get ready for the opening match,” the official said.

Haris, fresh from the Big Bash League performance, has the ability to bowl fast and earned his place in the team following his exceptional performance in Australia.

Ahsan, on the other hand, impressed the selectors with bat in the Pakistan Super League where he played for Quetta Gladiators last year.

Pakistan are expected to enter the field today with three pacers in Haris, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Husnain or Amad Butt.

Likely team for the opening T20: Babar Azam, Ahsan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan, Imad Waseem, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Harris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain or Amad Butt.