Pakistan has announced their playing XI for the opening Test against the West Indies, with an exciting debut for young batter Muhammad Huraira. The 22-year-old right-handed opener has earned his first call-up following exceptional performances in the domestic circuit. Huraira has scored 3,427 runs in 44 first-class matches at an impressive average of 48.95, including eight centuries and a triple-century.
Huraira will replace the in-form Saim Ayub, who is unavailable for the match due to an ankle injury that will sideline him for at least three months. He is expected to open the innings with Shan Masood, while Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam will bat at one-down and two-down, respectively.
Vice-captain Saud Shakeel will play a crucial role in the middle order for Pakistan, alongside wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha. Shakeel’s experience and recent form make him a key figure in stabilizing the innings. The team is heavily relying on their spin department, with Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and Sajid Khan leading the attack.
Khurram Shehzad is the sole pacer in the squad, having made an impact in the recent series against South Africa, where he claimed six wickets in two Tests.
With the two-match Test series beginning on Friday in Multan, both teams are looking to improve their standings in the World Test Championship. Pakistan’s selection of Saud Shakeel and the debut of Huraira signals the team’s focus on both youth and experience as they prepare for the challenge ahead.
Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shehzad.
