Pakistan's strongest XI for T20 series against Australia 

Middle Order – Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik & Asif Ali/Hussain Talat

The veterans of Pakistani cricket

One of the two most experienced men in the side, Hafeez was undoubtedly one of the best off-spinners in limited overs cricket during his prime. However, due to his bowling action being reported and banned a few times, he has lost a bit of that charm.

His batting is still decent enough to get him a place in the side which is mostly starred by new faces. Pakistan always hopes that he will provide some stability, and the former opener now finds it better to bat at No. 3 rather than at the top of the innings.

Hafeez scored a patient 39 in the first match against Australia which was the second highest score in the innings.

The veteran of Pakistani cricket is available for selection for the second and third T20, after arriving to meet the team a tad late. After missing the first match, Malik will be looking to reclaim his spot in the side.

He has been a dependable option for Pakistan who has helped guide the team during the crisis a few times, and Wednesday’s collapse showed how important it is to have a man like him in the middle order.

Hussain Talat and Asif Ali were both parts of the side on Wednesday and had a chance to prove themselves in the absence of Malik.

However, both men failed to make any impact whatsoever with the bat and landed Pakistan in a difficult position.

It is likely that one of them will miss out Friday’s game, and as Asif Ali has given a few good performances with the bat in the past, it seems like Hussain Talat will face the axe as his bowling services were also not required by the side on Wednesday.