Asia Cup 2022: Predicted Pakistan Playing XI

Pakistan will be one of the strong contenders to win the Asia Cup 2022, which will be played from August 27 to September 11. The Men in Green will be playing in conditions that are favourable to them as the continental tournament will be taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Having played a quality amount of cricket in those conditions, the Babar Azam-led side would be hoping to make the most of their chances as they eye a third Asia Cup title.

Pakistan will be heading into this tournament with a lethal batting and bowling attack comprising the likes of skipper Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi. They kickstart their tournament against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Stadium on August 28. The Men in Green have an advantage in this contest, having outclassed the Indian team by 10 wickets at the very same venue in last year’s T20 World Cup group game.

Here’s a look at Pakistan’s predicted line-up for Asia Cup:

1. Babar Azam (c)

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam might have played just a solitary T20I this year, at home against Australia in April, but he remains the top-ranked batter in the shortest format. Babar finished as the leading run-scorer in last year’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, scoring 303 runs from six matches as Pakistan finished as the semifinalists.

He would be hoping to replicate similar performances in the upcoming edition as Pakistan eye a first major trophy under his captaincy. Therefore, Babar will certainly be a threat to all the opposition teams in Asia Cup 2022.