First of all you people should be aware by now that Hafeez is not good enough for number 3. With only Misbah and Umar Akmal reasonably established in the middle order , it leaves us to find another 2 middle order batsmen.Currently I see 4 players who have a competition for 2 spots in the Pakistan middle order.

Asad Shafiq
Haris Sohail
Umar Amin 
Sohaib Maqsood 

Umar Amin and Asad Shafiq can bat at number 3. Asad has looked good while batting at number 3 on few occasions for Pakistan, where as Umar Amin has also opened at first class level. 

You have also watched Haris Sohail in the Caribbean.

Sohaib Maqsood , though relatively unknown because of no international exposure also looks a serious contender after his fine showing in domestic cricket. As of know he is averaging 50 in List A. Unlike Umar Amin or Haris Sohail he has mostly batted at lower middle order.

So for 4 middle order spots I can make the following combination.

3)Umar Amin/ Asad Shafiq
4)Misbah
5)Umar Akmal
6)Sohaib Maqsood/ Haris Sohail

Misbah being the captain and stabiliser needs to bat at 4. Umar is too deep at 6, should be allowed to nurture himself at 5 and Sohaib Maqsood looks a good option for number 6 as he bats at lower middle order in domestic cricket. Sohaib can also bowl few part time spin overs in the middle of the innings.

Discuss!