We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Probable XIs
Probable XI for Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Nauman Ali, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
Given the virus in the England camp, there is no official announcement on who will take the field.
Pitch Report
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
(Based on the last 3 games)
1st innings average score: 327
2nd innings average score: 239
3rd innings average score: 207
4th innings average score: (Only once has the match gone into the fourth innings in the last 3 Tests)
Wickets per innings: 8
Type: Good batting wicket. Will assist spinners as the match progresses.
Weather: Clear.
Wins
Batting 1st: 100%
Batting 2nd: —
Fantasy Tips of The Day
Six hundreds have been scored in the last two Tests at Rawalpindi.
But for Joe Root, England’s top order appears weak and unsettled.
Smart Picks
Joe Root has plenty of experience playing on the abrasive subcontinent wickets. In 12 Tests against Pakistan, he has accumulated 1,010 runs at 56, including the highest score of 254.
Ben Foakes might be young into his international career, but he has already spent adequate time playing 6 Tests in Sri Lanka and India. In the period, he has collected 355 runs and inflicted 17 dismissals with the gloves.
Whether it is conventional or reverse swing, James Anderson is expected to be the biggest threat for Pakistan. He has bagged 74 wickets against them in 14 Tests.
All eyes will be on Babar Azam, who has enjoyed a healthy time with the bat in 2022. He has amassed 661 runs, including 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries in 5 Tests.
Nauman Ali has been the lead spinner for Pakistan, especially at home. When he last bowled at Rawalpindi in March against Australia, he finished with a six-for in the first innings. Expect him to bowl long spells.
From runs to wickets to slip-catching, Ben Stokes is likely to make an impact in fantasy leagues. Besides collecting 192 runs, he has taken 15 wickets in his last 5 Tests.
It has been a dream start to Test cricket for Abdullah Shafique. In his last 5 Tests, he has piled on 586 runs at 73, including scores of 44 and 136* at Rawalpindi.
Talking about performing well at Rawalpindi, Imam-ul-Haq is second to none. When he batted at the venue against Australia, he smashed consecutive hundreds in the Test.