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The Asia Cup 2023 is a highly anticipated cricket tournament set to take place later this year. The tournament will feature six prominent teams: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. These teams will compete against each other in what promises to be an exciting display of cricketing talent. The marquee event will be held from August 30 to September 17, with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) hybrid model being accepted by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the tournament’s organization. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will collaborate as joint hosts, with Sri Lanka hosting 9 matches and Pakistan hosting 4 matches.
Pakistan’s journey in the tournament will kick off with their opening match against Nepal on August 30. Placed in Group A alongside India and Nepal, Pakistan will be aiming to put forth a better performance than the previous edition, where they lost in the final against Sri Lanka. Led by captain Babar Azam, Pakistan will strive to lift the coveted Asia Cup title this time around.
Given the significance of the tournament, the strongest playing XI for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 will likely be carefully selected to balance both batting and bowling strengths. Babar’s leadership will be crucial, and his team will aim to deliver a strong collective effort to secure victory.
Pakistan’s formidable starting lineup for the Asia Cup 2023
Top-Order Dynamism
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign will be anchored by the dynamic opening duo of Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. Fakhar’s remarkable display in 2023, tallying 520 runs at an impressive average of 74.28 with three centuries and a phenomenal unbeaten 180-run knock, solidifies his role as a key asset in limited-overs cricket. Meanwhile, Imam’s steady contributions, gathering 191 runs in 5 matches at an average of 38.20, coupled with his flair for scoring quick T20 half-centuries, position him as a pivotal component of Pakistan’s top order. These two left-handed openers possess the ability to dictate the early momentum and set the stage for the innings ahead.
Middle-Order Prowess
The heart of Pakistan’s batting lineup is none other than Babar Azam, the captain and an exceptional battter. With an impressive 425 runs in 8 ODIs this year, Babar holds an average of 53.12 and has notched up one century and four half-centuries. His leadership and unmatched batting skills provide stability and assurance to the team. At number four, Iftikhar Ahmed emerges as a versatile middle-order batter and a spin-bowling option. Iftikhar’s recent performances, highlighted by a blistering unbeaten 94-run knock among his 122 runs in just 2 ODIs, underscore his value as a batting all-rounder. While Mohammad Rizwan, with 343 runs at 68.60, offers a solid wicketkeeping option and depth to the lineup. This combination of steady and aggressive batters ensures a balanced and formidable middle order.
All-Round Prowess and Bowling Depth
Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s vice-captain and a spin all-rounder, assumes the crucial role of finishing matches and contributing with both bat and leg-spin bowling. His 35 runs in 3 ODIs this year, alongside 3 wickets, showcase his multidimensional abilities. Faheem Ashraf‘s capacity to shine with both bat and medium-fast bowling provides depth to the lower middle order. Additionally, the spin department is bolstered by the presence of Mohammad Nawaz, who has captured 6 wickets in 6 ODIs this year while showcasing his ability to contribute valuable runs.
Pace Attack and Emerging Talent
Pakistan’s fast-bowling arsenal is headlined by the left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi, who has claimed 8 wickets in 4 ODIs at an average of 24.50. As a crucial opening bowler, he brings early breakthroughs and mastery over bowling at the death. Haris Rauf complements the pace attack with his raw speed, having secured 10 wickets at an average of 36.76 and offering the potential for game-changing performances. Naseem Shah completes the trio of fast bowlers, making an impressive mark in his debut year with 13 wickets in 5 ODIs at an average of 18.07. As Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs this year, Shah embodies emerging talent and wicket-taking potency.
This assembled XI signifies Pakistan’s pursuit of a harmonious blend of power, finesse, and versatility to excel in the Asia Cup 2023 and vie for the coveted championship title.
Pakistan’s best XI for the Asia Cup 2023:
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan (vc), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
Pakistan’s ODI squad for the Asia Cup 2023:
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim
Also READ: India’s 17-man probable squad for the Asia Cup 2023
