Shaheen Afridi Opts to Bowl First In Pak vs Aus 1st ODI

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to bowl first against a new-look Australia in the highly anticipated first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

In the opening fixture of this 3-match Pak vs Aus bilateral series, Afridi opted to put the visitors in to bat, leaning on a formidable pace attack featuring himself and express quick Haris Rauf.

Australia enters the contest with a heavily depleted yet exciting lineup. Led by wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis in the absence of resting senior players, the visitors are without premier fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood following their intensive Indian Premier League campaigns. 

Despite missing key veterans, the Australian top order retains formidable firepower with the likes of Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne anchoring the batting.

Pakistan has opted for a balanced playing XI, pairing the seasoned brilliance of Babar Azam and Shadab Khan with emerging young talents such as Maaz Sadaqat and Arafat Minhas. 

For Australia, the match offers a crucial testing ground for squad depth, featuring opportunities for Oliver Peake and a bowling unit spearheaded by Nathan Ellis. With a true pitch and lightning-fast outfield expected in Rawalpindi, a high-scoring battle looms as Pakistan chases a historic victory on their landmark day.

Australia Playing XI of 1st ODI

Matt Short, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (c & wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Ollie Peake, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Billy Stanlake, Matt Kuhnemann

Pakistan Playing XI for 1st ODI

Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed