Babar Azam drops under-performing all-rounder for must-win clash against Canada; check playing XIs here

Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and opted to field first against Canada at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York. Babar made just one change to the side after the six-run loss to India. He replaced all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed with Saim Ayub.

“We will have a bowl first. It is an early morning match and want to utilize the first six overs. We have one change - Saim Ayub is in. We have had a discussion and are focused on today's game. We have a quick turnaround, we have no other option but to win this game. I have played against some of their bowlers,” Babar said after winning the toss. 

Canada captain Saad Bin Zafaar wanted to bowl first too. He made one change to the side as well against Pakistan.

“I would have bowled first as well. But we have seen teams have found it difficult chasing, so hopefully we can put the runs on the board. We have one change. We have been playing some good cricket and want to continue that consistency. We understand it is a must-win game for them and they are under pressure, put some runs on the board and put pressure on them,” Zafar said at the coin toss. 

 

ALSO READ: 'King ka mai kya kru jisne match jeetwa ke nahi dena': Babar Azam's ex-teammate slams Pakistan captain after loss against India

 

Head-to-head

The last time these two side met in a T20I clash was in 2008. Pakistan beat Canada by 35 runs. Opener Salman Butt starred with a 74-run knock which was followed by a clinical bowling display.  

 

Canada Playing XI: Aaron Johnson, Navneet Dhaliwal, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva(w), Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar(c), Dillon Heyliger, Kaleem Sana, Junaid Siddiqui, Jeremy Gordon

 

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Will rain cause washout in PAK vs CAN clash? Check New York weather forecast ahead of Pakistan's must-win game

 

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir

 

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