Pakistan has announced their Playing XI for their Asia Cup 2023 Group-stage match against India at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on the eve of the mach on September 1 (Friday). While there were specutaion over Fakhar Zaman's place in the side, the left-handed opener retains his place in the side. The Men in Green are not new to revealing their Playing XI on the eve of the match and even followed the same practice ahead of their Asia Cup opener against Nepal on August 30 (Wednesday).
While Imam-ul-Haq is expected to open with Imam in this IND vs PAK encounter, Babar Azam is likely to bat at number 3 followed by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan at number 4. Agha Salman and Iftikhar Ahmed will be their designated batters for those crucial middle over impetus after which their all-rounders follow- the likes of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. Even Shaheen Shah Afridi, apart from his threatening left-arm pace is more than handy with the bat. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf are the other pace bowling options in Pakistan Playing 11 against India.
Also Read | India Vs Pakistan: Will Rain Play Spoilsport In Much-Anticipated Asia Cup 2023 Face Off?
While there is a lot of anticipation for the match with media reports suggesting over, 5,000 fans that have travelled to Kandy from India alone for the match, weather forecast does not pain a very encouraging picture with over 90 per cent chance of rain. In case of an IND vs PAK wash out, the match between India and Nepal becomes a virtual knockout with the winner proceeding to the Super Fours with Pakistan having already beaten Nepal in their face-off earlier.
IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2023:
Pak Playing XI vs India, Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf