ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan's strongest predicted playing XI for the tournament

Pakistan (PAK) are coming into the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 as the second-ranked ODI team in the world, just behind India. They had poor Asia Cup 2023 showing, where they were knocked out of the finals race early and finished in the fourth spot, but they are considered to be one of the favorites to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. 

The ICC World Cup 2023 begins on October 5 and Babar Azam and his men will face the Netherlands in their opening game on October 6 in Hyderabad. Pakistan has set up its squad for ICC World Cup 2023. They have the no.1 ranked ODI batter Babar in their ranks and one of the fastest bowlers in the world in Haris Rauf.

On that note, here is a look at the best combination that Pakistan can achieve within the ICC World Cup 2023. 

Here's Pakistan's strongest predicted playing XI for ODI World Cup 2023:

1. Imam Ul Haq

Imam ul Haq has been one of the most consistent openers in recent times. He is currently ranked fifth in the ICC ODI players rankings. Recently in Asia Cup 2023, the left-handed batsman played a match-winning knock of 78 against Bangladesh in Lahore.

In 12 ODIs in 2023, Imam has scored 448 runs with five half-centuries at an average of 40.72. Overall, he has 2976 runs in 66 ODIs for Pakistan with nine centuries and 19 fifties at an average of 50.44. He will be a vital cog in giving Pakistan good starts and anchoring one end so that other batters can play around him.