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

Pakistan-Team. (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images)

Pakistan 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. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP) (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

2. Fakhar Zaman

The only ODI double centurion from Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman might not be in the best of form lately and is struggling a bit with injuries. But the teams would be wary of his ball-striking abilities as the 33-year-old boasts of a strike-rate of 91.96 in 78 ODIs for Pakistan, scoring 3272 runs with 10 centuries and 15 fifties. 

The left-handed batter has been in fine form in 2023 overall keeping aside the recent dip. In 16 ODIs this year, Zaman has scored 644 runs at an average of 46.0 with three centuries and one half-century. He will be crucial for Pakistan making full use of the 10-over powerplay. 

3. Babar Azam (C)

Babar Azam. (Photo Source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The captain of the Pakistan team, Babar Azam will bat at No. 3 for the Men in Green. The No. 1 ranked ODI batter has an astounding record in ODI cricket. In 108 ODI, Babar has a brilliant 5409 runs with 19 centuries at an average of 58.16 with a highest score of 158. 

With 745 runs in 16 ODI games in 2023, Babar is the leading run-getter for Pakistan this year. He has also scored two centuries and six half-centuries with the best score of 151 coming against Nepal in Asia Cup 2023.

4. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)

Mohammed Rizwan. (Photo Source: ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Another pillar of Pakistani batting lineup, Mohammad Rizwan will bat at No. 4 and also keep wickets. The 31-year-old has played 65 ODIs, scoring 1693 runs with two centuries and 12 half-centuries to his name. He averages 36.80 but is an aggressive choice for Pakistan in the middle order. In 2023, the right-handed batsman has held a stunning form in ODIs as he has scored 628 runs at a superb average of 62.80. Rizwan has also smacked six half-centuries this year.

He has been a great support for Babar in the white-ball cricket and is a safe option behind the stumps. Someone who likes to take his time getting set, Rizwan also has the ability to take apart the best of attacks. He is proficient against both spin and pace and dominates both kinds of bowlers.

5. Iftikhar Ahmed

Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. (Photo Source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The most aggressive batter in the Pakistan lineup, Iftikhar Ahmed lit up the Asia Cup 2023 opening encounter against Nepal with a scintillating century. In nine ODIs in 2023, he has scored 348 runs at an average of 69.60. 

With lots of similar-styled batters in the top order, Iftikhar provides a fresh and aggressive approach in the middle order with his big-hitting abilities. He has shown contempt against both spinners and pacers. He will be one of the batters that opposition bowlers will be wary of in the World Cup.

6. Agha Salman

The 29-year-old Agha Salman has seemingly cemented his spot as one of the all-rounders in the Pakistan team. His ability to handle the pressure has made him stand out with the bat. He also bowls some difficult overs in the middle.

Thus far in 18 ODIs, he has 436 runs and four wickets with a best score of 58. In 15 ODIs this year, he has hit 335 runs at an average of 33.50 with two fifties. He will be expected to score some crucial and quick runs in the lower order.

7. Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Shadab Khan is vice-captain of the Pakistan team and their leading spinner as well. He is a premier all-rounder for the Men in Green and has shown the ability to change games with both bat and ball. But his primary skills lie with the ball, however, his recent form has been a concern.

Shadab has played 11 ODIs for Pakistan this year and scored 138 runs while he has picked 13 scalps at an economy of 5.54 with the ball.

Overall, in 74 ODIs, Shadab has 734 runs with four half-centuries to his name and has picked 83 wickets with a best of 4/27. Apart from the bat and the ball, Shadab’s infectious energy in the field makes him unique.

8. Mohammad Nawaz

Mohammad Nawaz Bowling. (Photo Source : Gettyimages)

Mohammad Nawaz was called a match-winner by Pakistan captain Babar Azam and his skills show that he is one. In 32 ODIs, Nawaz has 325 runs with one fifty and has picked 40 wickets with a best of 4/19. He is known for his disciplined bowling in the middle overs and is often used for stemming the flow of runs. 

The left-arm spinner has held a wonderful form in 2023. In 11 games, Nawaz has picked 22 wickets at an average of 19.63 and an economy of just 4.80. He can be a good option on pitches in India that offer turns like Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

9. Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi. (Pic source: Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Shaheen Afridi is the premier pacer for Pakistan. Since his debut in 2018, Shaheen has played 44 ODIs, taking 86 wickets at an economy of 5.45 and best bowling performance of 6/35 . The left-arm pacer has 24 wickets in 12 ODIs averaging 22.04 in 2023.

Afridi’s tall height gives him extra bounce from the pitch and he usually bowls full length with the new ball at a good pace of over 140 kph. He swings the ball both ways and more often than not, picks one or two wickets inside the powerplay overs for Pakistan.

10. Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

The fastest bowler in the Pakistan team, Haris Rauf has been excellent in 2023. In 13 games this year, Rauf has 24 wickets at an average of 23.04 and an economy of 5.53 with a best of 5/18. Known for hitting speeds of over 150 kph consistently, Rauf is often used more in death overs.

He can bowl a mean bouncer and yorker and knows how to use his pace well. In 28 ODIs, Rauf has 52 wickets and he will look for a few more in the ICC World Cup 2023. He has had some fitness issues and Pakistan will pray for him to remain fit and available in the tournament.

11. Hassan Ali

Hasan Ali bowling. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Pakistan went with Hassan Ali as a replacement for the injured Naseem Shah in their squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. He has good experience in ODIs and was the Player of the Tournament in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

Hasan has 91 wickets in 60 ODIs for Pakistan with a best of 5/34 and an economy of 5.75. Known for his skiddy bowling, the pacer can move the ball in the air as well and is known to be a fierce fighter on the field.