- Pakistan’s revamped playing XI aims for a pivotal victory against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
- Fakhar Zaman is out with a knee injury; viral fever affects key players.
- Abdullah Shafique likely opens; Shadab Khan may make way for Usama Mir in a spin attack.
As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 unfolds, Pakistan finds itself facing a critical encounter against Australia at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday. The Green Shirts, having suffered a tough loss to India in their previous match, are eager to secure a victory against Australia to reignite their tournament prospects.
The team, however, is not without its challenges, with key players like Abdullah Shafique, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Zaman Khan dealing with a bout of viral fever. Despite their absence from the optional training session on Tuesday, the players underwent a thorough examination by Dr. Saleem, the medical officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and most have been declared fit for the upcoming clash.
Also read: Pakistani Players Overcome Sickness, Ready for Big Match Against Australia
The setback comes in the form of Fakhar Zaman being ruled out due to a knee injury, forcing Pakistan to make adjustments to their opening combination. In the absence of Zaman, the team is likely to persist with the opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul Haq.
Agha Salman, still grappling with fever, is unlikely to be in contention for the crucial match, further testing Pakistan’s depth.
Following the disappointing loss to India, Pakistan is contemplating changes to their spin attack, particularly considering Shadab Khan’s underwhelming performance. The team might turn to Usama Mir as a replacement, hoping to inject vitality into their bowling lineup.
Expected Playing XI:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Imam-Ul-Haq
- Babar Azam (C)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Saud Shakeel
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Usama Mir
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Shaheen Afridi
This playing XI reflects a strategic mix of experience and potential, with captain Babar Azam leading from the front. The team’s success will hinge on the performance of key players like Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi and the potential impact of newcomers like Abdullah Shafique and Usama Mir.
As Pakistan aims for redemption against Australia, their focus on striking the right balance in the playing XI and making tactical adjustments to the bowling lineup could be the key to turning the tide in their favor.
In conclusion, the Pakistan cricket team faces a pivotal moment in their World Cup journey, navigating through challenges posed by injuries and illnesses. The reshaped playing XI, with a fresh approach to the spin attack, seeks to bring renewed vigor to their campaign. Cricket enthusiasts will be eagerly watching as Pakistan takes on Australia in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.
