Pakistan Playing XI 3rd Match Asia Cup 2023: After thrashing Nepal in the first match, Pakistan will take on India in the blockbuster Asia Cup 2023 clash on Saturday (September 2). While Pakistan would have loved to have remained unchanged for the epic clash against India, Shaheen Afridi will remain in the spotlight as the left-arm pacer had some fitness issues and left the field for some time against Nepal.
Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled just five overs and left the field facing some problems. While there is no official word yet on the 23-year-old’s absence from the clash with India, Pakistan would hope their talisman would be fit for the successful clash. In case Shaheen Shah Afridi does not play, Pakistan has capable backup options.
Shaheen Afridi is fit to continue for the Men in Green for an important clash as Babar Azam announces an unchanged XI.
Notably, doubts over Shaheenโs fitness rose when the pacer bowled only five overs and left the field facing some niggle.
Captain Babar Azam has three pacers – Mohammad Wasim Jr., Usama Mir, and Faheem Ashraf. While Usama Mir and Mohammad Wasim are absolute pacers, Ashraf is the all-round batsman. The 30-year-old’s last ODI appearance was in 2021. Wasim and Usama played ODIs in 2023.
Barring Shaheen, there will be no changes in the Pakistan team. The batting looks solid for Men in Green with Babar Azam, Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan at the top. Without Shaheen, Pakistan has Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.
Pakistan Playing XI 3rd Match Asia Cup vs IND
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam-ul Haq
- Babar Azam (C)
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Agha Salman
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammed Nawaz
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi.
PAK vs IND: What to expect?
- Pakistan has its top order sorted. It is his middle-order number five and six that has been a problem.
- While Iftikhar Ahmed scored a hundred against Nepal, what Pakistan would look for is consistency.
- At number six, Pakistan has tried Agha Salman but is yet to cement his place.
- Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion in the team would strengthen the batting and also balance the team.
- Pakistan’s spin bowling is fixed with Shadab Khan and Mohammed Nawaz.
