Pakistan has revealed their playing XI for the Asia Cup Super 4 clash against India at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. They’ve opted to stick with the same playing XI that faced Bangladesh in Lahore.
Pakistan wants to secure its position in the race for the Asia Cup 2023 finals with a key victory against arch-rivals India. Conversely, Team India wants to kick off their Super 4 campaign with a winning start. In a smart move, Pakistan has included Faheem Ashraf in the playing XI, replacing Mohammad Nawaz, who experienced a terrible time against India, notably dealing with Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya during the middle overs in their first encounter of the Asia Cup league match.
The opening pair for Pakistan will include Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. While Fakhar Zaman is yet to make a meaningful impact at the Asia Cup, Imam-ul-Haq had a fantastic effort against Bangladesh, scoring 78 runs off 84 balls. Skipper Babar Azam will hold the number 3 position, with wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan batting at number 4. Iftikhar Ahmed takes on the critical job of the number 5 middle-order batsman. Pakistan’s middle-order has been dependable throughout the tournament, offering essential support in trying times. Salman Ali Agha, who also offers part-time spin bowling, will play as the No. 6 finisher.
The in-form spin all-rounder, Shadab Khan, will assume the No. 7 batting place and lead the spin department for the side. Despite a recent great performance, Shadab struggled against the Indian batters in the middle overs and remained wicketless in their previous clash. Hardik Pandya has been extremely dominant against Shadab in earlier confrontations, making this an important duel to watch. In the absence of Mohammad Nawaz, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf will be a part of the playing XI, having secured a wicket in the last game against Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s pace attack is now ranked among the world’s best. With players like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, they have regularly plagued opposition teams. Shaheen Afridi, in particular, had a fantastic effort against India, picking up four critical wickets, while Haris Rauf also played a vital role in keeping India to 266 runs.
Pakistan Playing XI Against India:
Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan (vc), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf
