Saad Ali and Abid Ali to Make Their Debuts Against Australia [Updated]

UPDATE: Abid Ali has also been named in the team for the 4th one-day international against Australia after Imam-ul-Haq misses out due to high fever.

Abid Ali has also been named in the starting XI as Imam-ul-Haq misses out due to high fever. #PAKvAUS

— Zarar (@SyZarar) March 29, 2019

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday revealed that Shoaib Malik has been withdrawn from the on-going series against Australia due to a rib injury.

In the absence of stand-in captain, Imad Wasim has been named as the captain for the remainder of the two matches.

Pakistan, already 3-0 down in the series, are playing for pride. With nothing to lose, this is the perfect opportunity for the young Saad Ali to come in and replace Malik in the team.

The PCB confirmed that Saad Ali will be handed his debut on Friday against Australia.

UPDATE: Shoaib Malik ruled out of today’s ODI due to a bruised rib from Friday’s match; Imad Wasim to captain, Saad Ali to make debut in the only change from 3rd ODI.

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 29, 2019

Who is Saad Ali?

Born in Karachi, Saad Ali is a former Pakistan Under-19 batsman.

The stylish left-handed top-order batsman has made a mark in not only First-Class cricket but also List-A. He has a solid average in all the competitions he has played thus far.

His inclusion in the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars was a true testament to his abilities. Although he only managed to play one match (against Multan Sultans), there’s no doubting his potential.

Here’s how his career statistics look like:

	Mat	Inn	Runs	Avg	S/R	100s	50s	HS
First-Class	58	95	3979	46.81	52.21	11	18	232
List-A	58	49	1705	46.08	84.82	1	12	102*
T20s	10	10	309	38.62	126.83	0	2	57*

The talented young batsman also represents Karachi Whites and has been involved in Pakistan Emerging team as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2M00tgiW4Y&t=5s