Umar, Shafiq return to Pakistan´s ODI squad

Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq have been recalled to Pakistan’s one-day international squad for the three-match series against West Indies in the United Arab Emirates.

Neither batsman has played an ODI this year, but Umar – previously overlooked due to disciplinary reasons – has featured in the ongoing T20 series with the Windies, which Pakistan lead 2-0 with one game to play.

Umar averages 35 from 111 ODI appearances and last played in the format at the 2015 World Cup. Shafiq’s most recent ODI outing came 11 months ago and his record is modest, an average of 25 well below the mark of 43 he holds in Tests.

Pakistan’s 16-man 50-over squad also includes seamers Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali.

Mohammad Hafeez misses out with a calf problem, while Sami Aslam, Umar Gul and Mohammad Irfan are also overlooked.

Pakistan were thumped 4-1 in their ODI series against England and will be eager to bounce back against the Windies.

The first ODI between Pakistan and West Indies takes place in Sharjah on Friday.