Having just defeated the West Indies Champions by a whopping 49 runs, the Pakistan Champions are firing at the right time at the World Championship of Legends 2025. They are now focused on making it to the semi-finals against the Australian champions. Here is a quick breakdown of their potential Playing XI (on Form, Fitness, and Firepower).
Openers

There is no question that Kamran Akmal will walk into this fixture with his bat on fire. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter played a match-winning knock of 113 from just 62 balls in the last game, bringing some aggressive intent and classical strokes right away. His confidence will be through the roof, and Pakistan will be hoping he can once again provide them with a flyer.
Sharjeel Khan should join him, and while his 21 from 14 balls last match may not seem massive, its impact was bigger than the stat line. Sharjeel presents raw power and a fearless mentality, generally going hard at the bowlers in the Powerplay. Sharjeel’s ability to clear the infield early is a perfect complement to Akmal’s steadiness, and together, they make a well-balanced opening partnership.
Middle Order

The captain, Mohammad Hafeez, moves into the middle order as a valuable bastion of calmness and cool-headed aggression. His 23 off 18 in the last match showed enough intent and leadership, and although it was not a big score, his presence at the crease gives authority and control during the middle overs. Hafeez’s experience against good spin will be valuable against Australia’s range of bowlers.
Sohaib Maqsood remains an excellent option at No. 4. In the last outing, he chipped in with a brisk 17 from 13 balls, demonstrating his knack for strike rotation and timely power-hitting—key to preventing a middle-overs slowdown. He is capable of that because he has a solid base to hit muscularly and melodiously without compromising the learning process through alertness to take calculated wheel of fortune options to uninhibited goal at their bat.
All-Rounders

Shoaib Malik is reliable and, once again, dependable. He made his presence felt at the end with a brisk ten runs off just four balls and provided an optional off-spin capability, if required. Malik has an uncanny ability to absorb pressure and perform through crucial scenarios, making him a competent finisher and proving to be crucial in high-pressure run chases or tight runs in the field.
Imad Wasim didn’t take a wicket against the West Indies, but his four overs for just 31 runs kept the West Indies from getting ahead of the pace of the chase. Like Malik, Imad’s left-arm orthodox spin and ability to score runs at the end provide Pakistan with great balance. Facing a big-hitting Australian lineup, Imad’s accuracy during the middle overs will be crucial.
Bowlers

In the last match, Rumman Raees was the star of the show with the ball by returning unbelievable figures of 3 for 4 in three overs. His sharp seam bowling and tactical variations in pace brought the West Indies’ top order undone. Expect him to again take the new ball and target early wickets with the new ball against Australia’s top order.
In his complete four-over spell, Sohail Tanvir picked up 2 wickets while conceding just 24 runs. His left-arm angle, mixed in with his deceptive slower balls, makes him a dangerous weapon, especially during the death overs. The fact that he can strike at crucial points during the innings gives an edge to an already good bowling line-up for Pakistan.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!
How These Batters Can Change the Game in BIK vs SPR, 26th Match | Nepal Premier League 2025
Top 3 performances of Shikhar Dhawan in Tests
ILT20 2025: Predicting Abu Dhabi Knight Riders XI for match 4
OTD: England became the first team to score 500,000 runs on the first day of a Test

