ICC World Cup 2019 – Match 17: AUS vs PAK – Pakistan Predicted Playing XI

Once again, Pakistan have been at their unpredictable best. After being thrashed against West Indies, they bounced back in style against hosts England. They lost 4-0 in a five-match ODI series in the lead-up to this World Cup against them but in the big game, they held their nerve.

The senior players stood up and delivered. The likes of skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz came to the party. However, they would be gutted by the washout against Sri Lanka as they would’ve fancied their chances. However, they will look to carry the momentum built against England to the game against Australia. They lost 5-0 in March to them as well and will be hoping for another turnaround.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for Pakistan:

Openers (Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq)

The Pakistan openers haven’t really fired in this World Cup. Fakhar Zaman has got starts in both the games he’s batted. He has scores of 22 and 36 and has got them at a decent rate as well. However, he hasn’t kicked on and made it count.

Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq who was in superb form in the ODI series against England in the lead-up to this World Cup has been a little slow. He has scored 46 runs in two innings at a strike-rate of 66.66. However, he will be looking to turn things around in this game against Australia.

Middle-order (Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Asif Ali)

Babar Azam has been Pakistan’s best batsman in limited-overs cricket for a while now. And this World Cup has been no different. He has looked in sublime form and was looking good for a big one against England before he got out for 63. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz played well for his 55 in the game against the hosts which gave Pakistan some impetus in the middle.

Asif Ali did not play the first game against the West Indies but found a place in the middle-order in the game against England. He scored 14 off 11 balls before he was dismissed in search of quick runs. Asif Ali has the ability to turn things quickly with the bat and is a good striker of the ball.

All-rounders (Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan)

Mohammad Hafeez was the game-changer for Pakistan in the middle overs against England. His knock of 83 shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favour. Moreover, he’s done decently with the ball too. Shoaib Malik has played just one game (against England) so far and failed in that with the bat. He bowled three overs and managed to pick up a wicket.

Meanwhile, Shadab Khan bowled only in one game (against England) and bowled well. He picked up a couple of key wickets and will continue to hold the key for Pakistan.

Bowlers (Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali)

Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz weren’t a part of the original squad but were drafted in last minute. However, they’ve done well so far. While Wahab has been expensive, he picked up three wickets against England which proved to be vital. Also, he will have good memories of playing against Australia in a World Cup game.

Amir has bowled really well and was Pakistan’s best bowler in both games. He’s picked up five wickets so far and has looked in excellent rhythm. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be concerned about Hasan Ali’s form as it has continued to slip. He is yet to pick up a wicket in this tournament.