In preparation for their forthcoming pivotal match against India at the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan has picked an unchanged starting lineup. The last match against Nepal saw notable centuries from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed, four wickets from Shadab Khan, and two wickets from Shaheen Shah Afridi. As a result of their current stellar performance, the club management has opted to stick with the starting XI.
See also: Most Wickets in the 2023 Asia Cup
The only player whose status was in jeopardy was Fakhar Zaman, since the opener is currently in terrible shape. Zaman, 33, managed just 59 runs in the three-game series against Afghanistan and just 14 runs in the game against Nepal. Although he got off to a good start with the bat, Karan KC eventually picked up his wicket.
Notably, Pakistan’s top order was ineffective in the previous game, and that is an area where the squad hopes to improve. Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj will be attempting to strike the Men in Green’s weak spot, and if they lose a few wickets early, they will be under a lot of pressure, which might eventually cost them.
With the pacers in outstanding form, the bowling appears to be more or less solid. The intention will be to take quick wickets with the new ball because Shaheen has previously bothered the Indian team. The previous time these two teams faced off in the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli triumphed, but Haris Rauf has an unfinished business this time around. For Pakistan, Shadab and Mohammad Nawaz will also be crucial players, and the Pallekele surface should help the spinners.
On the whole, Saturday’s match is predicted to be explosive, but there’s also a chance of some rain. It won’t have much of an impact on the game, though.
Pakistan’s official starting lineup:
Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk),
Additionally, view the third match of the Asia Cup 2023 between Pakistan and India.
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