- Shadab Khan’s fitness in question for Pakistan’s vital ICC World Cup 2023 clash with Bangladesh.
- Possible lineup changes, including Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha, being considered to revitalize the team.
- Pakistan faces a must-win situation, having lost four consecutive games, to keep hopes alive in the ICC World Cup 2023.
As Pakistan gears up for a crucial encounter against Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup 2023 at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on 31st October, the Men in Green find themselves in a quandary with uncertainties surrounding the participation of key all-rounder Shadab Khan. The 25-year-old’s involvement in the match remains in doubt, with a final decision pending further assessment scheduled for the morning of the game.
Also Read: PCB Wants Pakistan to Lose in World Cup 2023
Shadab Khan’s predicament stems from an unfortunate incident during the 26th match of the tournament against South Africa. The all-rounder suffered a head injury early in the second innings, leading to his visit to a local hospital for a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan to determine the extent of his injury. As of now, Shadab Khan’s fitness concerns have kept him from actively participating in the team’s practice sessions, raising questions about his availability.
In response to this uncertainty, the Pakistan team management is contemplating three strategic changes to their playing XI. Fakhar Zaman is being considered as a potential replacement for Imam-ul-Haq, injecting a fresh dynamic into the opening partnership. Additionally, Salman Ali Agha may step in for Mohammad Nawaz, adding a new dimension to the team’s composition.
The Men in Green are facing a critical juncture in the tournament, having suffered four consecutive losses after an impressive start with two victories. To keep their hopes alive for a spot in the final four, Pakistan needs to secure victories in the remaining three games and rely on favorable results in other matches.
The likely playing XI for Pakistan in the upcoming clash includes Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Haris Rauf. This lineup reflects a balance of experience and potential changes aimed at revitalizing the team’s performance in the tournament.
As the cricketing world awaits the outcome of Shadab Khan’s fitness assessment and the potential changes in the playing XI, the Pakistan-Bangladesh clash promises to be a riveting encounter with significant implications for both teams’ aspirations in the ICC World Cup 2023.
