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

The second game of the ODI World Cup 2023 will feature a clash between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6. Pakistan have not gotten their desired results in the World Cup warm-up games, as they lost both of the games that they played. 

Furthermore, the Netherlands took on Australia and India in their warm-up games, but due to rain playing spoilsport, both matches produced no result. As their first game of the World Cup approaches, it could be interesting to see how they fare against Babar Azam-led Pakistan. 

Here's Pakistan’s predicted XI against Netherlands:

Openers: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan are expected to open with the pair Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman. Imam has not been up the mark as he was unsuccessful in amassing big runs in the warm-up games. However, with an average of 50.44 runs in the format, the 27-year-old could be a key player for Pakistan against the Netherlands.

With 3272 runs in 78 ODIs, Fakhar Zaman could be one of the most influential players for Pakistan. His recent form has been a worry for the team but his performance is going to be a driving factor for Pakistan in notching up a big total on the board.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

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

The middle-order is where Pakistan will look to shine. Skipper Babar Azam will look to amass big runs on the board and will undoubtedly be one of the most important players for Pakistan. Being one of the best batters in world cricket, Babar’s performances will be something that every fan will keep an eye on.

Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan would be yet another player who would do well to synchronise with Babar. Both batters have formed brilliant partnerships in the past and will look for a repeat of the same in the World Cup as well.

Iftikhar Ahmed has been one of the most in-form batters for Pakistan lately. With 348 runs in his last nine games, the side will depend on him to pull them out of tricky situations and play some aggressive knocks in the middle order.

With minimal experience in ODI cricket, Saud Shakeel could be one player who could surprise the opponents Having just played six ODIs for Pakistan, Shakeel’s inclusion in the World Cup squad could provide him with a much-needed platform to perform on.

All-rounders: Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan

The 29-year-old Mohammad Nawaz could be fulfilling the all-rounder role in Pakistan’s squad against the Netherlands. Efficiency with both the bat and ball sees him make his way into the 15-man squad, and with 325 runs and 40 wickets in 32 ODIs, Nawaz could be one player who could provide the side with major breakthroughs and contribute with the bat as well. 

Yet another all-rounder that could make an impact could be Shadab Khan. With 734 runs and 83 wickets in 64 ODIs, Shadab Khan’s performance will be key for Pakistan in their first game of the World Cup. The 25-year-old has been in the best form of late and will look to improve quickly.

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali

Boasting some of the best bowlers in world cricket, Pakistan will depend a lot on their bowlers to get them through tough situations. One of the most influential bowlers for Pakistan could be Shaheen Afridi. Afridi has been in sensational form, taking 20 wickets in his last 10 games. his spells will be crucial for Pakistan.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Yet another pacer who will undoubtedly have a big impact is Harsi Rauf. With 17 wickets in his last eight games, Rauf’s form will be one of the biggest driving factors for Pakistan. Further, Hasan Ali will complete Pakistan’s lineup against the Netherlands. Carrying with him a vast amount of experience, Ali has taken 91 wickets in 60 ODIs, and he will provide the side with some much-needed stability.

Pakistan Probable Playing XI:

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