Sahibzada Farhan replaces Saim Ayub in Pakistan ODI squad for tri-series

Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan has joined the Pakistan team for the ongoing ODI tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka. He replaces Saim Ayub, who has been released from the squad for the rest of the series.

According to a Pakistan Cricket Board press release issued on Monday, Saim asked to go back to domestic cricket to work on his batting form and regain confidence. He made the request after a conversation with head coach Mike Hesson.

The statement said the team management and the national selection committee had mutually agreed to accept the request, respecting Saim's decision and his honest assessment of his current form. The national selection committee then named Sahibzada Farhan as his replacement.

Saim Ayub had not been able to produce a significant performance with the bat during the tri-series.

According to Daily Jang, cited by Daily Pakistan, Farhan returned home from Nepal on Tuesday morning, and will now be available for selection in the match against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan have already qualified for the final after three consecutive wins. They will play Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the tri-series on Tuesday, October 27, at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan reached the final with a one-wicket win over England, in which Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten century. Pakistan were 154 for nine at one stage, and added 89 runs for the 10th wicket, a record for the highest 10th-wicket partnership in a successful ODI run-chase.

England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum praised Shadab's innings. Shadab credited Haris Rauf for his role in the chase and dedicated his innings to his family.