ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan's strongest predicted playing XI against Australia

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is set to host its first game in the 2023 ODI World Cup as Pakistan (PAK) and Australia (AUS) lock horns on Friday, October 20.

Pakistan started their campaign with wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Against Sri Lanka, Babar's men created history as they recorded the highest successful run-chase in World Cups. However, their winning streak ended with a shambolic seven-wicket defeat to age-old rivals India in the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Australia have had a completely opposite start to their ODI World Cup campaign. They lost their first two matches against India and South Africa before getting back to winning ways against Sri Lanka. The Pakistan-Australia clash promises to be a riveting encounter as both teams will look to stay in contention for the semi-final spot.

Here's Pakistan’s predicted XI against Australia:

Openers: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq

Fakhar Zaman is expected to return to the side as Abdullah Shafique, who replaced the senior opener earlier in the tournament, is quarantined with flu and fever. Zaman has been woefully out of form in recent times but sometimes players get back to their best after being dropped for a few games. There is no reason that a similar thing can't happen with the southpaw.

Imam-ul-Haq has been a consistent performer for Pakistan in ODI cricket over the years. However, he is yet to make a mark in this edition of the World Cup. His highest score is just 36 and it came against India in the last game.

Middle Order: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel

Babar Azam has not been able to live up to his lofty standards thus far. He was dismissed cheaply by the Netherlands as well as Sri Lanka. Against India, Babar scored a fine 58-ball 50 and Pakistani fans would hope that he will go strength to strength after that knock.

Mohammad Rizwan has been the star performer for Pakistan so far in the ongoing showpiece event. He has scored 248 runs in three games at a mind-boggling average of 124. His century against Sri Lanka is being hailed by many as one of the finest to come from a Pakistani player's bat in the history of World Cups.

Saud Shakeel has also been affected by the viral infection but he is expected to recover in time for the big game against Australia. Shakeel scored an enterprising 68 off 52 balls against the Netherlands and was awarded Player of the Match for his exploits. The left-handed batter also played an important knock in the game against Sri Lanka as his partnership with Rizwan took the team to the brink.

Iftikhar Ahmed was dismissed early in the games against Netherlands and India. However, he showed the cricket fraternity a glimpse of his power hitting during the record-breaking 345-run chase against Sri Lanka. Iftikhar scored an unbeaten 22 off 10 balls to help Pakistan get to the daunting target in a canter.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

All-rounders: Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir

Mohammad Nawaz has not done anything exceptional as yet but he will hold on to his place because his all-rounder abilities give the 'Men in Green' some balance. The only noteworthy contribution from Nawaz in the ongoing tournament came in the game against Netherlands when he scored an important 43-ball 39 after the former champions suffered a mini-collapse.

Usama Mir could get a game in place of Shadab Khan, who has been struggling with his form, especially with the ball. Shadab has been inconsistent with his lines and lengths and picked up just two wickets in three matches. He has an economy of 6.55 in this year's World Cup. It could be a good idea to give him a breather and play fellow leg-spinner, Usama Mir, someone the Australians won't know much about.

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali

The pace attack has always been Pakistan's strong point but so far in this tournament, the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali has failed to impress. The left-arm seamer has picked up four wickets in the three games and has an economy rate of 6.32.

Haris Rauf was criticised recently by Pakistan's iconic pacer Wasim Akram after the game against India. The 29-year-old has been indisciplined at times and conceded quite a few runs in two of the three matches so far in the competition. Rauf's ability to pick wickets in the middle order is going to be very crucial for Pakistan.

Hasan Ali is the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan so far in the 10-team event. He has seven scalps in three games and has done relatively well. He will hope for some more support from his fellow pacers against the strong Australian batting side.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Pakistan predicted XI: 

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali