ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan’s strongest predicted playing XI against Bangladesh

Pakistan (PAK) will face Bangladesh (BAN) in the 31st match of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on October 31 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Babar Azam-led side are coming off four defeats on the trot. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan made their best of the starts, winning their opening matches against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, respectively.

Pakistan’s last defeat came against South Africa. After producing a stunning display throughout the game, the Men in Green fell short of one wicket. They are currently sitting sixth in the ODI World Cup points table with four points from six games. 

Here's Pakistan's Predicted XI against Bangladesh:

Openers:  Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq

Abdullah Shafique is one of the standout performers for Pakistan in the ongoing ODI World Cup. He is the team’s second-highest run-scorer, having scored 264 runs in five games at an average of 52.80 and a strike rate of 94.28, which included a century and two fifties. His best innings came against Sri Lanka, where he hit 113 off 103 deliveries.

Imam-ul-Haq has also played a crucial role for Pakistan so far in the tournament. The opening batter has amassed 162 runs in six games, averaging at 27.00 and a strike rate of 90.00. He is expected to produce a substantial knock in the side’s upcoming encounter.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Middle Order: Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel

Babar Azam has been key for Pakistan in almost all the games they have played so far. The Pakistan captain has so far amassed 207 runs in six games. The number one ODI batter has scored three half-centuries against India, Afghanistan, and South Africa, respectively. He will be eager to showcase his batting prowess in the side’s forthcoming fixture.

Mohammad Rizwan, the team’s leading run-scorer, has produced impressive performances thus far in the competition. The wicketkeeper-batter was critical in Pakistan’s games against Sri Lanka, scoring an unbeaten 131 off 121 deliveries and adjudged as the Player of the Match, which they won by six wickets. He has 333 runs to his name, at an average of 66.60 and a strike rate of 97.36.

Iftikhar Ahmed had a dismal start to his campaign. However, he impressed with the bat in Pakistan’s rest of the games. He was crucial in Pakistan’s game against Sri Lanka, scoring an unbeaten 22 off just ten balls, and helped the side chase down the mammoth 345-run target. His best score came against Afghanistan, where he hit a quick-fire 40 off 27 deliveries to help Pakistan set a reasonable target.

Saud Shakeel’s performances have been up to the mark. The No. 5 batter played a stunning 68 off 52 deliveries in their opening match against the Netherlands and was adjudged the Player of the Match award. He scored a half-century in Pakistan’s previous game against South Africa and is expected to demonstrate his batting skills in the upcoming match as well.

All-rounders: Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz

Shadab Khan, who is the vice-captain of the side, has failed to impress with his performances so far. The all-rounder amassed 117 runs in five games at an average of 29.25. Meanwhile, with the ball, he has picked up only two wickets in the tournament. He would be looking to regain his form in the team’s forthcoming fixture if he is included in the XI.

Mohammad Nawaz’s performance has not met expectations. However, his all-rounder skills provide balance to the team in almost all games. His best performance came against the Netherlands, where he hit a crucial 39 off 43 balls after a slight collapse in Pakistans’ batting lineup. After being excluded from the match against Afghanistan, he was included in the lineup for the South Africa clash, where he scored 24 runs. He is also expected to regain his form in the match against Bangladesh. 

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf

Pakistan’s ace speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi has proven his worth so far in the tournament. However, he impressed with the ball in Pakistan’s clash against Australia in Bengaluru, claiming a fifer. Unfortunately, the 1992 world champions fell short by 62 runs in the match. He is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament for Pakistan, having picked up 13 wickets at an average of 22.76 and an economy rate of 5.69. He would be looking to provide crucial breakthroughs for his team when they take on Bangladesh.

Mohammad Wasim Jr. has been included in the lineup for the game against South Africa as a replacement for the injured Hasan Ali. He impressed in the first match, having claimed two wickets for 50 runs in his full quota. He could play a vital role in the upcoming fixture if he is included in the lineup.

Haris Rauf has been instrumental for Pakistan despite struggling in some of the games. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for the side, with ten wickets from six games. He is expected to showcase an excellent bowling spell to help his side win the game. 

Pakistan predicted XI vs Bangladesh: 

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf

Check Here: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023