ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan's strongest predicted playing XI against India

The ODI World Cup 2023 gears up for one of its most anticipated encounters as India will be taking on Pakistan (PAK) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14. The arch-rivals will be taking centre stage being undefeated in the competition currently.

Team India will be coming on the back of wins against Australia and Afghanistan, whereas Pakistan won their two World Cup games against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. However, a clash against the Indian team could be a different story for Pakistan, and it could be interesting to see how the side will lineup against the hosts.

Here's Pakistan’s predicted XI against India:

Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq

The Pakistan batting lineup will begin with Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq. Shafique’s place in the lineup could be guaranteed after his sensational knock in the last game. Chasing a mammoth target of 345 runs against Sri Lanka, Shafique scored a sublime 113 runs in 103 deliveries and was one of the most important players for the side. His showing against India could be crucial as well. Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq failed to perform in Pakistan’s last game, only managing to score 12 runs. However, if he manages to find his form against India, he could pose quite a problem for the hosts.

Middle Order: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel

The middle-order is where Pakistan will look to shine. Skipper Babar Azam has been unable to put in good performances in the tournament so far, with below-par showings in the two matches. However, that does not mean that he will not be keen on improving and amassing big runs on the board.

Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan could be one of the best batters for his side in the upcoming clash. Rizwan’s knock in Pakistan’s last game of the World Cup was sensational, as he amassed 131 runs in 121 deliveries to ensure a win for his side. If he keeps up his form, it could spell trouble for the Indian bowling attack.

Iftikhar Ahmed provides some much-needed stability and depth for his side in the middle order, and with an unbeaten knock of 22 runs in the last game, he will undoubtedly look to add to his tally when the side faces India. Meanwhile, Saud Shakeel will be coming into the game after a subpar showing against Sri Lanka in the previous match as he could only manage to score 31 runs before he was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana. 

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

All-rounders: Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan

Mohammad Nawaz will make up for half of Pakistan’s all-rounder lineup. Having scored 39 runs and taken two wickets in two ODI World Cup 2023 matches so far, Nawaz has been doing his duty whenever the opportunity is presented to him. The 29-year-old will look to improve and be efficient with both the bat and the ball against India.

Shadab Khan will be completing Pakistan’s all-rounder lineup. With two wickets and 32 runs in two games so far, Shadab has been more efficient with the ball in his hand, and it could be interesting to see how he performs against one of the best sides in the tournament.

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali

Boasting some of the best bowlers in world cricket, Pakistan’s true strength will undoubtedly be in their bowling attack. Ace pacer Shaheen Afridi will be expected to lead the charge once again. With two wickets in two games so far, Afridi will be desperate to improve and display his repertoire against the Indian side. The battle between Afridi and the Indian batting attack will be one to watch out for.

Haris Rauf has been famous for breaking partnerships. The star pacer has been one of the best performers for his side in recent years, and with five wickets in two World Cup 2023 games, Rauf’s spell could be crucial for Pakistan.

Coming off a brilliant showing against Sri Lanka in the last game, Hasan Ali will look for a repeat of his performance against the Indian team. He took four brilliant wickets against Sri Lanka, and it could be interesting to see how he fares against India.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Pakistan predicted XI: 

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq , Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali