ODI World Cup 2023: Predicting Pakistan’s Playing XI for their clash against Bangladesh 

In this article we will discuss Pakistan’s Playing XI against Shakib Al Hasan’s side. Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2023 has not performed as per the expectations. They are currently sitting at 6th in the points table, with only two wins in six games. Babar Azam’s side have lost four matches in a row. In their opening games, they won over Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. In their last match against South Africa they could have won a low total but lost against the Proteas by one wicket. 

Babar’s leadership quality has been a question as the 29-year-old batter captaincy has come under scrutiny after their loss against Afghanistan. The skipper has not scored any big runs so far though he has scored only three half-centuries in six innings. 

They would like to change the fortune against Bangladesh, who are also struggling to find their form. They are at the bottom of the table and they will also love to change their fortunes.

Here is the predicted Pakistan’s Playing XI against Shakib Al Hasan’s side:

Openers

Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq will open the innings for the Men in Green. The former has been in good touch as he scored a hundred on his debut against Sri Lanka. He also scored 264 runs in 6 innings for Pakistan. Imam on the other hand has got the start but could not convert them into big scores. He would like to score some runs in the upcoming match. 

Middle Order

In the match against South Africa, the right-handed batter smashed a fifty. He will need to improve his batting abilities and lead the team more effectively in the tournament. He must be the one to lead the side from the front. 

Mohammad Rizwan on the other hand is the highest scorer for his side, he has scored 333 runs in 6 innings. He has scored a brilliant hundred while chasing against Sri Lanka. The Pakistan team would like him to perform. 

Saud Shakeel, had a decent World Cup so far he has scored 2 fifty across 6 games, he has managed to add some runs to the team’s total in every game. He played a good knock in the game against South Africa to post a defendable score against them. 

Iftikhar Ahmed’s form in the World Cup has been poor. He has only scored 40 runs off 28 balls. In the rest of the five innings his bat has been silent. He needs to score some runs for the side. 

All-rounders and Bowlers

Shadab Khan, the Pakistan vice-captain has been off form this year. His form has been the biggest question for the side. His bowling in the middle overs has been inconsistent as he failed to pick wickets and leaked runs as well. He scored some runs in the last game against Proteas. 

Mohammad Nawaz, has got 2 wickets in 6 games, his form has also been a concern for the 1992 World Champions. He was lashed by the skipper after his poor ball in the game against South Africa that cost the game to them. 

Hari Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr, need to step up for the game against Bangladesh. The trio has been quiet in the World Cup. Though Afridi has picked up 13 wickets, the fiery opening spell from him is missing.