Vaibhav Tripathi
Pakistan’s Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023 squad has seen an addition. Left-handed batter Saud Shakeel has been included in the 17-member roster, while Tayyab Tahir, who was part of the main squad, will travel with the team as a reserve player.
Shakeel’s Test career has been remarkable, amassing 875 runs at an impressive average of 87.50, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries. Following his Test success, he was selected for the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, where Pakistan secured a clean sweep victory.
However, Shakeel’s ODI career has not taken off as quickly, tallying 76 runs at an average of 19 with a sole fifty to his name. Despite this, he has shown promise in his List A career, accumulating 2489 runs from 69 innings, which includes four centuries and 12 fifties.
The upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to commence on August 30 in Multan, will begin with Pakistan facing Nepal in the opening match. Pakistan is set to host a total of four matches, including a Super 4s fixture, during the tournament.
Pakistan’s Updated squad for the Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim.
Travelling reserve: Tayyab Tahir