Khawaja Nafay Likely to Open with Saim Ayub Against Netherlands in T20 World Cup Opener
Pakistan are likely to open their innings with Saim Ayub and Khawaja Nafay in their opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup against the Netherlands, according to sources.
The ICC T20 World Cup opener for Pakistan will be played on the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, with the match scheduled to begin at 10:30am Pakistan Standard Time. Pakistan and the Netherlands are placed in Group A.
Sources said the team management has decided to field Khawaja Nafay as an opener alongside Saim Ayub in the first match. The inclusion of the 23-year-old right-handed batter means experienced opener Fakhar Zaman is likely to be dropped from the playing XI.
Khawaja Nafay has featured in two T20 matches so far and is set to get a key opportunity on the global stage. The decision reflects the team management’s intent to try a new opening combination in the tournament.
According to information, Pakistan’s probable playing XI against the Netherlands includes Saim Ayub, Khawaja Nafay, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed.
