MULTAN: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the playing XI for the second and final Test against the West Indies on Friday, set to begin at the Multan Cricket Stadium on January 25.
The Green Shirts made one change to the side, with pacer Kashif Ali, who will be making his Test debut, replacing Khurram Shahzad.
The right-arm pacer has been excelling with consistent performances in first-class cricket and also his five-wicket haul for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka in November 2024, earning him a place in the national side.
Kashif will serve as the sole pacer in the upcoming fixture as Pakistan retain their spin-heavy bowling attack, featuring Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed.
His inclusion was the only change made by the home side to their lineup which registered a comprehensive 127-run victory over West Indies in the series opener at the same venue.
Young opener Muhammad Huraira will open the innings, alongside skipper Shan Masood, with star batter Babar Azam to follow.
Pakistan’s middle-order is comprised of Kamran Ghulam, vice-captain Saud Shakeel, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha.
Pakistan’s playing XI:
Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Kashif Ali.
West Indies squad:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (vc), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, and Jomel Warrican.
