Asia Cup: Pakistan announce playing XI for IND vs PAK match; Here's who Babar & Co. picked

Ahead of the much-hyped India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2023, the Pakistan cricket team have announced their playing XI for the IND vs PAK match. There is no place for Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf or Mohammad Wasim Jr in the playing XI as Babar Azam and Co. have decided to field the same playing XI they played against Nepal. Pakistan have kept faith with Fakhar Zaman despite his under-par performance in recent times. 

Pakistan announce playing XI for IND vs PAK clash

Despite Ramiz Raja's apprehensions, Pakistan picked Fakhar in the XI with Salman Ali Agha keeping his place in the middle-order. A lot will depend on how captain Babar performs against India in the crucial tie. 

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Here is Pakistan's playing XI for Asia Cup 2023 clash:-

1. Babar Azam (c)
2. Shadab Khan (vc)
3. Fakhar Azam
4. Imam-ul-Haq
5. Salman Ali Agha
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
8. Mohammad Nawaz
9. Naseem Shah
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Haris Rauf

India vs Pakistan: Asia Cup match promises high-octane affair

Since the 2019 World Cup, the 'Green Brigade' has played just 29 ODIs, whereas India have played 57 matches in the same period.

Pakistan have played 12 of those 29 matches this year as well. While their top three consisting captain Babar Azam (689 runs), Fakhar Zaman (593 runs) and Imam-ul-Haq (361 runs) have fired more often than not this year, there is an issue from No. 4 to No. 6.

Usama Mir, Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman have been largely inconsistent barring the odd flicker, and they looked anaemic on the days when Mohammad Rizwan, who bats at No.4, fails.

Often, Pakistan required No. 7 Iftikhar Ahmed and No.8 Shadab Khan to add a bit of heft to their innings. Iftikhar was promoted against Nepal and helped himself with an ODI hundred.

Shadab made a valuable 48 against Afghanistan last week while Pakistan notched up a nervy 1-wicket win at Hambantota.

Rizwan and Salman failed to get a sizeable score against Nepal in their Asia Cup opener at Multan a couple of days back as Pakistan rode on hundreds by Babar and Iftikhar.

While India and Pakistan are travelling on the same boat as far as their middle-order woes are concerned, the latter has a distinct advantage in the bowling department.

(with PTI inputs)