All eyes will be on Pakistan because they beat their biggest rivals at the Asia Cup in 2022 and the ICC World Cup in 2021. Men in Green are having trouble with their batting in the middle, but Shaheen Shah Afridi’s return has given their fast bowling a considerable boost.
When it comes to bowling, they have a lot of different options. Shaheen would be the obvious choice to lead the attack along with Naseem Shah, known for his speed. Haris Rauf would be the third bowler because he has been great with the ball lately, especially in the last few overs.
Mohammad Waism Jr. and Mohammad Hasnain will probably sit on the bench for the big match. All-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are clear first-choice players for the XI in spin attacks.
Pakistan’s Batting Vows
This is where things are a little bit scary for the group led by Babar Azam. Pakistan’s batting lately hasn’t been up to par, especially when they bat first in T20Is. Since 2021, they have played 23 games but only won 13 of them. During this time, their batting run rate is 8.28, and their highest score is 232.
During the same time, Babar Azam, the captain, and Mohammad Rizwan, who bat first with him, have been critical. Pakistan hasn’t found a way to solve the middle-order vows, though. Iftikhar Ahmed, Haider Ali, and Khushdil Shan were able to come through when it counted.
Ifthikar has scored 352 runs in 25 games, with an average of 20.70 runs per game and a strike rate of 118.51. Haider Ali has scored 321 runs in 24 games, with an average of 16.89 runs per game and a strike rate of 119.77. Khushdil Shah has scored 206 runs in 17 games, with an average of 18.72 runs per game and a strike rate of 108.42.
The three players did nothing right in the Asia Cup, which just ended. Pakistan also lost the final match against Sri Lanka because of this. The management also tried out Shan Masood, who was in good form then, during the series against England and the tri-series against New Zealand.
Pakistan might stick with the opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the game. Shan Masood or a returning Fakhar Zaman will come next. Ifthikar, Asif Ali, and Haider would bat the other three times in the match.
Pakistan’s likely XI: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood / Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hairs Rauf, and Naseem Shah.
Squad Babar Azam (capt), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Fakhar Zaman
