Pakistan has revealed its playing XI for the first Super Four clash against Bangladesh in the 2023 Asia Cup. The team remains largely unchanged, with one significant change in strategy as Faheem Ashraf comes in for Mohammad Nawaz.
Captain Babar Azam will lead the side, while Shadab Khan will serve as the vice-captain. The batting order features familiar names, with Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq as the opening pair, followed by Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Iftikhar Ahmed.
The pace attack will feature the formidable trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. The noticeable change is the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf, a fast-bowling all-rounder, in place of Mohammad Nawaz, the off-spinning all-rounder. This strategic shift aims to strengthen the team’s fast bowling resources.
This decision may have been influenced by the previous match against India, where spinners struggled in challenging Sri Lankan conditions. However, it’s important to note that the game against Bangladesh will be played in Lahore, offering a different set of conditions. Although the pitches in Sri Lanka and Pakistan may differ, the early stage of the Super Four round seems the right time for Faheem Ashraf to showcase his potential.
The match will begin at 2:30 pm Pakistan time.
Source: ProPakistani