Name your starting ODI XI for Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup

[sl-fan-of-pak]

Honestly, Rizwan probably shpuld open the innings. I have changed my mind about rizwan over the past few weeks.

He can go at an SR of 100+ when he gets going. He lacks the X factor of Falhar aka outbatting your opposition but he's a million times superior to imam or Abdullah at opening. You'll get 90 ball 100's from him which is good enough.

Saud needs to be at 4. Abdullah and imam, only one of these lads must open, not both.

As I've mentioned above in my post, I wouldn't mind trying Shadab or Nawaz as one down. The pinch-hitter role.

 

[mominsaigol]

As I've mentioned above in my post, I wouldn't mind trying Shadab or Nawaz as one down. The pinch-hitter role.

Problem is they can't pinch hit unless the bowling is 3rd class. New Zealand didn't take us seriously at all. They were bowling part time with their wicket keeper bowling and Darryl Mitchell bowling in the 47th lol.

And their senior players kept retiring out at 50 even when the game got a bit tight on a few occasions.

Irs clear they were playing for the lolz. It's clear as Day haris isn't a new ball bowler and our bowling is extra weak due to the absence of naseem.

 

[sl-fan-of-pak]

Problem is they can't pinch hit unless the bowling is 3rd class. New Zealand didn't take us seriously at all. They were bowling part time with their wicket keeper bowling and Darryl Mitchell bowling in the 47th lol.

And their senior players kept retiring out at 50 even when the game got a bit tight on a few occasions.

Irs clear they were playing for the lolz. It's clear as Day haris isn't a new ball bowler and our bowling is extra weak due to the absence of naseem.

I read elsewhere that Arshad Iqbal is a better bowler than what he used to be. I think Pakistan may have to draft him in ..along with some other pacer, because it's a fact that Harris and Shaheen are not gonna survive more than 05-06 matches on the trot.

 

[sl-fan-of-pak]

Problem is they can't pinch hit unless the bowling is 3rd class. New Zealand didn't take us seriously at all. They were bowling part time with their wicket keeper bowling and Darryl Mitchell bowling in the 47th lol.

And their senior players kept retiring out at 50 even when the game got a bit tight on a few occasions.

Irs clear they were playing for the lolz. It's clear as Day haris isn't a new ball bowler and our bowling is extra weak due to the absence of naseem.

Btw agree that their pinch-hitting wont be that effective...but at least that's the best Pak can squeeze out of them. To make use of the fielding restrictions. Even 15-20 off 7-8 balls is ok.

 

[mominsaigol]

Btw agree that their pinch-hitting wont be that effective...but at least that's the best Pak can squeeze out of them. To make use of the fielding restrictions. Even 15-20 off 7-8 balls is ok.

Bro Shadab and Nawaz shouldn't even be in the team let alone bat at no 3, it's nepotism at it's finest.

Shadab and nawaz aren't allrounders. I've seen abrar tonk in test better then nawaz has in his odi career.

Shadab and Nawaz are spin bowlers and extremely extremely mediocre ones at that but their selling the whole allrounder notion because they know their simply not good enough to play as proper spin bowlers.

Imad waseem and hafeez were proper allrounders. They weren't the best players, infact both are medicore but they were atleast allrounders, Hafeez was a proper bowler and a proper batsmen even if he wasn't the best, same with imad.

Shadab and Nawaz are currently the 2 worst allrounders in world cricket lol.

 

[adil_909]

Bro Shadab and Nawaz shouldn't even be in the team let alone bat at no 3, it's nepotism at it's finest.

Shadab and nawaz aren't allrounders. I've seen abrar tonk in test better then nawaz has in his odi career.

Shadab and Nawaz are spin bowlers and extremely extremely mediocre ones at that but their selling the whole allrounder notion because they know their simply not good enough to play as proper spin bowlers.

Imad waseem and hafeez were proper allrounders. They weren't the best players, infact both are medicore but they were atleast allrounders, Hafeez was a proper bowler and a proper batsmen even if he wasn't the best, same with imad.

Shadab and Nawaz are currently the 2 worst allrounders in world cricket lol.

Agreed. Last of all-rounders is definitely the biggest problem facing our side.

It's sad that we never seem to put it all together. Either batting is missing, bowling is missing, or all-rounders are missing.

 

[chinaman00]

Pakistan has a seriously weak bowling attack and the fact that the selectors haven’t chosen a good bowling options in the 15-man squad means Pakistani fans should be really worried.

Worse, if injuries occur, as they most likely will, Pakistan has no-one in the bench to come in and cover. And it’s not like the batting is strong enough to compensate for the gross weakness in the bowling department.

This team is even weaker than the 2007 one.

God have mercy.

 

[shahidbhai]

Based on the 1st warmup, I would think this is the general foundation for the XI.

Fakhar Zaman
Imam Ul Haq
Babar Azam (C)
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Saud Shakeel
Iftikhar Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Hasan Ali/Mohammad Wasim
Shaheen Afridi
Haris Rauf
Usama Mir

I think they have to stick with Fakhar just for the attacking component. He's out of form but there's no one else to play that aggressive role. Shafique and Imam don't mesh as both want to play the same role causing everything to come to a standstill.

A specialist spinner like Usama Mir is a must for India and the only other question mark is going to be the new ball bowler. I would lean towards Hasan Ali due to his experience but it's a major weak spot regardless of the selection.

There is no way Fakhar Zaman should be in this playing XI, his best days are far behind him, He lacks fundamental technique that comprise a true batsman especially in the 50 over format. No amount of "aggression" can replace batting principles of sound technique; i.e head position, footwork, balance, and shot selection. He is deeply flawed in all 4 departments which is why as he gets older his fast hands cant save him at the highest level in the longer formats. Much rather give a run to Abdullah Shafique/Imam who can accelerate once set rather than gamble - yes its a gamble with a technically flawed batsman in the hopes of repeating something he did in the Champions Trophy final 6 years ago! Its time to move on...

 

[gazza619]

So based on my gut feel as of tonight, I would go with this XI in the opening game:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imam ul Haq
3. Babar Azam
4. M Rizwan
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. M Nawaz
8. Shadab Khan
9. Usama Mir
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Haris Rauf

I would open the bowling with Nawaz and Shaheen.

 

[CricLegend]

So based on my gut feel as of tonight, I would go with this XI in the opening game:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imam ul Haq
3. Babar Azam
4. M Rizwan
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. M Nawaz
8. Shadab Khan
9. Usama Mir
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Haris Rauf

I would open the bowling with Nawaz and Shaheen.

I like this line up, but I worry that against top teams, 2 fast bowlers will not be enough hence one of Usama, nawaz or Shadab needs to be replaced by a pacer

 

[gazza619]

I like this line up, but I worry that against top teams, 2 fast bowlers will not be enough hence one of Usama, nawaz or Shadab needs to be replaced by a pacer

I know fast bowling is a worry. I think our best chance is to bank on the half decent spinners we got

 

[Saj]

2 leggies?
Nawaz or Hassan Ali?
Saud in?

A few questions remain.

 

[ahmadharis1]

1. Imam ul-Haq
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Babar Azam
4. Mohammad Rizwan
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Ifthikar Ahmed
7. Mohammad Nawaz
8. Usama Mir
9. Hasan Ali
10. Haris Rauf
11. Shaheen Afridi

 

[Saj]

1. Imam ul-Haq
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Babar Azam
4. Mohammad Rizwan
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Ifthikar Ahmed
7. Mohammad Nawaz
8. Usama Mir
9. Hasan Ali
10. Haris Rauf
11. Shaheen Afridi

Interesting!

Will Babar drop Shadab? I would be very surprised if he does.

 

[gazza619]

2 leggies?
Nawaz or Hassan Ali?
Saud in?

A few questions remain.

Our pacers are all very erratic at the moment. I would personally play all 3 spinners.

Saud is defo in.

 

[gazza619]

Interesting!

Will Babar drop Shadab? I would be very surprised if he does.

It does not make much sense dropping Shadab now last minute. No option but to back him now.

 

[Farabi]

Our pacers are all very erratic at the moment. I would personally play all 3 spinners.

Saud is defo in.

For you. Or you think management agrees. I was surprised to see he was benched today soo…
Usama is a MUST. But is he in?

 

[ahmadharis1]

Interesting!

Will Babar drop Shadab? I would be very surprised if he does.

I feel like if an objective outsider was hired today and was tasked with selecting the XI for the first match against Netherlands, they would select this team.

-You have to stick with the Fakhar/Imam opening combo despite their respective flaws and Fakhar run of low scores. A player like Fakhar needs to be backed because he is the only one capable of those 150+ innings that win you ODIs. The drop in form comes with the territory of being an aggressive opener

- Babar and Rizwan at 3/4 pick themselves. I don't like Rizwan at 4 but the numbers don't lie.

- Saud Shakeel is an ideal #5; he has the domestic record to back it up and his performance against NZ shows he is capable of playing the aggressor without being reckless

-Iftikhar at 6 to let him play his finishing role. It's not ideal but he's capable

- At 7/8 you pick 2 of Shadab/Nawaz/Mir. You don't take two leggies and looking at Shadab's drop in form for the past few years and Usama Mir's rise and performances in the past year, you take Usama over Shadab. Nawaz provides the left arm spin option and is a solid enough batsman at 7

-Pacers at 9/10/11 are pretty straightforward. Shaheen and Haris Rauf are locks. I don't trust Rauf in ODIs but not many other options. Hasan Ali gets the edge over Wasim Jr who is still very raw in this format.

 

[DandyFellow]

1)Fakhar Zaman
2)Imam
3)Babar Azam
4-5)Rizwan
4-5)Saud Shakeel
6) Iftikhar
7) Nawaz
8) Usama Mir
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen Shah
11) Haris Rauf

Rizwan and Saud can be shuffled around for right and left hand combination. With these fast outfields and average ground size, bowling on the legs will be demolished. Left-Right hand combinations will impact opponent team's plans. Use Fakhar, Saud and Nawaz wisely in batting order.

 

[mumtaz]

I don't think Pakistan is going with Usama Mir over Shadab.

Shafique, Agha, Mir and Jnr start on the bench.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

1)Fakhar Zaman
2)Imam
3)Babar Azam
4-5)Rizwan
4-5)Saud Shakeel
6) Iftikhar
7) Nawaz
8) Usama Mir
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen Shah
11) Haris Rauf

Rizwan and Saud can be shuffled around for right and left hand combination. With these fast outfields and average ground size, bowling on the legs will be demolished. Left-Right hand combinations will impact opponent team's plans. Use Fakhar, Saud and Nawaz wisely in batting order.

this is the perfect 11... because there is no point keeping shadab in if he is not performing either with a bat or ball, atleast Usama Mir can provide u few wickets in the middle overs and can swing the bat as well.

 

[ritzy_123]

I don't see Pakistan taking any risk just because of his fielding and a bit of chance for batting they will take Shadab because it clearly seems all the pitches will be more or less batting friendly.

They'll go with this 11 it seems to me:

1) Fakhar Zaman
2) Imam Ul Haq/Abdullah Shafique
3) Babar Azam
4) M. Rizwan (WK)
5) Saud Shakeel
6) Iftikhar Ahmed
7) Shadab Khan
8) M. Nawaz
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen Shah Afridi
11) Haris Rauf

I think Iftikhar is now really important for the team as he has to focus on his bowling too for this teams success

I really miss Shaun Tait the bowling coach. Morne Morkel seems to be clueless at the moment. Almost same bowling lineup was really bowling well under Shaun Tait.

 

[Firebat]

1) Abdullah Shafique
2) Imam-ul-Haq
3) Babar Azam
4) Saud Shakeel
5) Mohammad Rizwan
6) Iftikhar Ahmed
7) Mohammad Nawaz
8) Usama Mir
9) Shaheen Shah Afridi
10) Hassan Ali
11) Haris Rauf

I would love to pick Fakhar Zaman as an attacking option up front but I have 0 faith right now that the guy will make double figures against any type of quality bowling.

 

[hur rizvi]

Pakistan should play only 1 of Shadab and Nawaz and Usama should be playing every game.

20 overs of Nawaz and Shadab to go with 10 from Hasan Ali (Who can be shielded somewhat with new ball) will be a big weakness if Pakistan plays both Shadab and Nawaz.

10 overs from Shaheen, 10 from Rauf, 10 from Hasan, 10 from Mir, 5-8 from Shadab/Nawaz, 2-5 from Iftikhar

Given the resources Pakistan can't afford to go with both Shadab and Nawaz in the same XI

 

[hur rizvi]

I don't see Pakistan taking any risk just because of his fielding and a bit of chance for batting they will take Shadab because it clearly seems all the pitches will be more or less batting friendly.

They'll go with this 11 it seems to me:

1) Fakhar Zaman
2) Imam Ul Haq/Abdullah Shafique
3) Babar Azam
4) M. Rizwan (WK)
5) Saud Shakeel
6) Iftikhar Ahmed
7) Shadab Khan
8) M. Nawaz
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen Shah Afridi
11) Haris Rauf

I think Iftikhar is now really important for the team as he has to focus on his bowling too for this teams success

I really miss Shaun Tait the bowling coach. Morne Morkel seems to be clueless at the moment. Almost same bowling lineup was really bowling well under Shaun Tait.

On batting pitches, you need at least 4 wicket takers (Shaheen, Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Mir) who can bowl 40 overs. Rest of the 10 can be bowled by your 5th bowler (Iftikhar, Shadab(on current form)/Nawaz).

Nawaz is not needed at no. 8 on Hyderabad-style pitches where Your top 7 should do the Job. If they don't trust your top 7 on these kind of flat decks, then problem definitely lies in management's thinking.

I would understand Nawaz at 8 if shadab was bowling well, but this would be an utter blunder on current form of Shadab.

 

[BouncerGuy]

1) Mohammad Rizwan
2) Imam-ul-Haq
3) Babar Azam
4) Saud Shakeel
5) Iftikhar Ahmed
6) Salman ali
7) Mohammad Nawaz
8) Usama Mir
9) Shaheen Shah Afridi
10) Hassan Ali
11) Haris Rauf
Fakhar would have made an automatic choice to open but his performance in warm-up matches made me think otherwise.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Wow looks like a lot of people are thinking Shadab will be dropped last minute...

The chances of that happening are so low, he has been a starter over the last 4 years im sure and most likely considered by the team as a key player, whether you like it or not

 

[DandyFellow]

Wow looks like a lot of people are thinking Shadab will be dropped last minute...

The chances of that happening are so low, he has been a starter over the last 4 years im sure and most likely considered by the team as a key player, whether you like it or not

Most of us do not think that he will be dropped. We are all listing down our preferred Playing XI which we believe has the best chances for Pakistan to win.
There might be some differences on other players but on current form Shadab is going to lose you games and if he is not dropped it will further demoralise those people who are droppable based upon one or two bad games.
Lastly, it is a habit that Pakistan knows its best XI quite late in the tournament and then gets on a run. But as we saw in 2019, it means we are dependent upon other results.
If Pakistan has to get into semis, either Shadab needs to get in form in bowling or better be dropped. His batting or fielding isn't sufficient reason to stay in the XI.

 

[amvbfm]

1. Fakhar (I would never have opted for him if we had someone like Saim in the squad but as it stands he is our only aggressive option at the top. Should play him in the first two relatively easier games. If he gains some confidence it would be really helpful for us.)
2. Imam (Not a huge Imam fan but the guy has been solid the last couple of years and Abdullah - and I am a fan- hasn't really made use of the opportunities he has been given. With Fakhar's form being what it is Imam would need to be the stabilizing influence at the top)
3. Babar
4. Saud (Must play. The guy is Pakistan's second best bat behind Babar. Agha has nothing on him and has been very unimpressive lately. As for the part time argument Saud can also bowl and it won't be much worse than Agha)
5. Rizwan
6. Iftikhar
7. Nawaz (I would pick him over both the leg spinners who have zero control. And his batting is much superior)
8. Usama/Shadab/Wasim/Haris (Both are equally bad with very little control. On non spinning pitches and against Asian opponents we might be better off playing an extra seamer with Iftikhar as backup. Otherwise pick either one, won't make much of a difference. The extra batting argument for Shadab makes little sense. If your top 7 can't make runs on these flat tracks then there is a fundamental issue with your batting which can't be addressed by having a bits and pieces player at 8)
9. Shaheen
10. Hasan (I am surprised he is making my XI but on the evidence of the warm ups he has been much better than the rest)
11. Rauf/Wasim (Rauf for now)

But it is likely that Babar will stick with his preferred XI with Agha and Shadab for at least the first 3 games with Saud, Mir, Wasim and Abdullah sitting out. The only deviation could be Abdullah for Fakhar if he continues to fail.

 

[mominsaigol]

1. Fakhar (I would never have opted for him if we had someone like Saim in the squad but as it stands he is our only aggressive option at the top. Should play him in the first two relatively easier games. If he gains some confidence it would be really helpful for us.)
2. Imam (Not a huge Imam fan but the guy has been solid the last couple of years and Abdullah - and I am a fan- hasn't really made use of the opportunities he has been given. With Fakhar's form being what it is Imam would need to be the stabilizing influence at the top)
3. Babar
4. Saud (Must play. The guy is Pakistan's second best bat behind Babar. Agha has nothing on him and has been very unimpressive lately. As for the part time argument Saud can also bowl and it won't be much worse than Agha)
5. Rizwan
6. Iftikhar
7. Nawaz (I would pick him over both the leg spinners who have zero control. And his batting is much superior)
8. Usama/Shadab/Wasim/Haris (Both are equally bad with very little control. On non spinning pitches and against Asian opponents we might be better off playing an extra seamer with Iftikhar as backup. Otherwise pick either one, won't make much of a difference. The extra batting argument for Shadab makes little sense. If your top 7 can't make runs on these flat tracks then there is a fundamental issue with your batting which can't be addressed by having a bits and pieces player at 8)
9. Shaheen
10. Hasan (I am surprised he is making my XI but on the evidence of the warm ups he has been much better than the rest)
11. Rauf/Wasim (Rauf for now)

But it is likely that Babar will stick with his preferred XI with Agha and Shadab for at least the first 3 games with Saud, Mir, Wasim and Abdullah sitting out. The only deviation could be Abdullah for Fakhar if he continues to fail.

Usama bowled better then everyone lol in the 5 overs he was given.

He was expensive but wicket taking.

Australia was headed to 400 lol if usama didn't intervene.

Warner and Marsh wouldn't have gotten dismissed by any of our pacers besides maybe Rauf who is always expensive but somehow always manages to get atleast 1 wicket In the middle.

 

[amvbfm]

Usama bowled better then everyone lol in the 5 overs he was given.

He was expensive but wicket taking.

Australia was headed to 400 lol if usama didn't intervene.

Warner and Marsh wouldn't have gotten dismissed by any of our pacers besides maybe Rauf who is always expensive but somehow always manages to get atleast 1 wicket In the middle.

one swallow doesn't make a summer *we need an usama emoji*

he did, but are you convinced he will be able to replicate that performance? I am not. And so he didn't make it to MY starting XI. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

 

[mominsaigol]

one swallow doesn't make a summer *we need an usama emoji*

he did, but are you convinced he will be able to replicate that performance? I am not. And so he didn't make it to MY starting XI. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

I am not fan boying usama, he isn't not that great a bowler, but we have nawaz and shadab to work with .

Nawaz is not a good bowler, name one game where he's contributed besides minnows.

On his best day he's slightly an economical bowler but he's not wicket taking and doesn't trouble the batsmen at all, sides easily go at 5 runs per over with him, max he'll get one wicket.

On his worst day he'll get tonked and butchered like he did in the Asia cup. He's also a massive massive chocker given how he performed against India last t20 world cup lol.

Batting wise, he was bashing Australia when they were bowling for lolz like Warner bowling to babar XD. Nawaz batting will vanish the moment he faces any proper bowling in the cup.

Sadly because we have zero options, Usama and Nawaz should be frontline, but I'm suprised you don't have usama on your frontline.

A wicket taking bowler even if he's not the best and is expensive is still superior to nawaz who unlike usama has had over 100's of games and has been playing for God knows how long and has never once done a damn thing for Pakistan.

I've been watching nawaz in international forever, he has one good innings 40 of 21 against India which was match winning. This guy has played for so long, and managed to win only once for Pakistan. (Exlcuding minnows)

Granted usama hasn't done so either but it's early days for usama. Someone as experienced as nawaz and this is how he rewards us is criminal. For people who have critised inad waseem I can count an entire series against 2016 England where he played match saving knocks and even his current stint against NZ in t20 where he played a match winning knock by dismantling their bowling.

Stats aside, Nawaz hasn't done anything. So I don't see how he's your frontline over someone who dismissed Warner and Marsh.

 

[Rana]

Babar
Shadab
Rizwan
Shaheen

The four horseman

They are allowed all the time they need in the world to get back in form.

Shadab will take 2-3 wickets against Netherlands, and that will be the turn in fortune he needs for another 5-6 games

 

[mumtaz]

To put it this way, Usama hasn't quite done enough to displace Shadab from the XI. It's like a 50/50 decision anyway, so you might as well go with the experienced guy to start with.

 

[hur rizvi]

To put it this way, Usama hasn't quite done enough to displace Shadab from the XI. It's like a 50/50 decision anyway, so you might as well go with the experienced guy to start with.

For me Nawaz should sit out for Usama. Shadab at least has potential to find his form, Nawaz even at his best would struggle to take wickets.

 

[amvbfm]

I am not fan boying usama, he isn't not that great a bowler, but we have nawaz and shadab to work with .

Nawaz is not a good bowler, name one game where he's contributed besides minnows.

On his best day he's slightly an economical bowler but he's not wicket taking and doesn't trouble the batsmen at all, sides easily go at 5 runs per over with him, max he'll get one wicket.

On his worst day he'll get tonked and butchered like he did in the Asia cup. He's also a massive massive chocker given how he performed against India last t20 world cup lol.

Batting wise, he was bashing Australia when they were bowling for lolz like Warner bowling to babar XD. Nawaz batting will vanish the moment he faces any proper bowling in the cup.

Sadly because we have zero options, Usama and Nawaz should be frontline, but I'm suprised you don't have usama on your frontline.

A wicket taking bowler even if he's not the best and is expensive is still superior to nawaz who unlike usama has had over 100's of games and has been playing for God knows how long and has never once done a damn thing for Pakistan.

I've been watching nawaz in international forever, he has one good innings 40 of 21 against India which was match winning. This guy has played for so long, and managed to win only once for Pakistan. (Exlcuding minnows)

Granted usama hasn't done so either but it's early days for usama. Someone as experienced as nawaz and this is how he rewards us is criminal. For people who have critised inad waseem I can count an entire series against 2016 England where he played match saving knocks and even his current stint against NZ in t20 where he played a match winning knock by dismantling their bowling.

Stats aside, Nawaz hasn't done anything. So I don't see how he's your frontline over someone who dismissed Warner and Marsh.

Didn't say he is worse than Shadab or Nawaz. Just said I am indifferent between them with Nawaz picked because of his better control (and that is just my personal opinion) and because he is a better no. 7 than Shadab (again my opinion). If you look at their recent stats there is very little to distinguish them from each other. They are all mediocre options so pick whoever you like I don't think it will make a significant difference.

 

[PakPremi]

Nawaz and Agha need to sit out for Usama and Saud, and Fakhar has to open with Imam in the first game. Wasim J can also warm the bench as he warmed up opposition batsmen into good form.

 

[mominsaigol]

Didn't say he is worse than Shadab or Nawaz. Just said I am indifferent between them with Nawaz picked because of his better control (and that is just my personal opinion) and because he is a better no. 7 than Shadab (again my opinion). If you look at their recent stats there is very little to distinguish them from each other. They are all mediocre options so pick whoever you like I don't think it will make a significant difference.

Yh I agree. Pakistan is foot shot with no abrar lol.

 

[mominsaigol]

Babar
Shadab
Rizwan
Shaheen

The four horseman

They are allowed all the time they need in the world to get back in form.

Shadab will take 2-3 wickets against Netherlands, and that will be the turn in fortune he needs for another 5-6 games

I think Pakistan fans are underestimating nedtherlands. These guys chased 374 against West indies.

I guarantee you, that sheddy is not better then any West Indian spinner.

If sheddy gets wickets, it'll be because shaeen, Rauf and hasan did pretty much all work, usama(if played) and maybe nawaz.

Sheddy will feast on the tailenders of minnows lol.

 

[amvbfm]

Yh I agree. Pakistan is foot shot with no abrar lol.

Totally. Abrar deserved to be in the squad ahead of all of them.

 

[160KPH]

I think the team is pretty obvious at this point. Usama Mir bowled well but not good enough to replace Shadab when you take into account Shadab’s batting and fielding.

1) Zaman
2) Imam
3) Babar
4) Rizwan
5) Saud
6) Iftikhar
7) Shadab
8) Nawaz
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen
11) Rauf

Just have to hope that Fakhar finds form, that Shadab and Nawaz bowl better than expected, and that Hasan Ali bowls tight. This is definitely one of the better batting lineups we have had in ICC World Cups. The issue really is the lack of a wicket taking spin option and Naseem Shah’s absence for the opening spell.

 

[TeymurBlake]

I think I'm one of the few that's going to go with this line-up:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imam-ul-Haq
3. Babar Azam (C)
4. Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
5. Agha Ali Salman
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Shadab Khan
8. Usama Mir
9. Hasan Ali
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Haris Rauf

I would've like to added another pacer into the line-up, but Wasim Jnr & Zaman Khan are no-where ready. Theirs still plenty of work both need. If Arshad Iqbal was fit he would have been a fine option or Mir Hamza. Potentially an AR in Aamer Jamal or Aamir Yamin.

Stick with Fakhar Zaman & Imam-ul-Haq, they have built incredible chemistry and understanding over the years opening. Its hard to experiment so close to the tournament. Might as well back what's there.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Still reckon they'll play Agha over Saud.

 

[mumtaz]

Still reckon they'll play Agha over Saud.

I think not. Agha batted at 8 in the second warm-up. If they really think him part of the XI, then he didn't quite face enough balls in the first warm up to be sent so late with Shadab and Nawaz batting above him. They also completely rested Saud which means that he is being considered a shoo-in. The left handedness is also invaluable in the middle order in case of a 50/50 call.

 

[mumtaz]

I think the team is pretty obvious at this point. Usama Mir bowled well but not good enough to replace Shadab when you take into account Shadab’s batting and fielding.

1) Zaman
2) Imam
3) Babar
4) Rizwan
5) Saud
6) Iftikhar
7) Shadab
8) Nawaz
9) Hasan Ali
10) Shaheen
11) Rauf

Just have to hope that Fakhar finds form, that Shadab and Nawaz bowl better than expected, and that Hasan Ali bowls tight. This is definitely one of the better batting lineups we have had in ICC World Cups. The issue really is the lack of a wicket taking spin option and Naseem Shah’s absence for the opening spell.

Yep, that's it. This is what Pakistan is going to go with at least for the first 2 games.

 

[owenhcricket]

So this will probably be different to my previous post on here but the team I'd like to see:

1. Shafique
2. Fakhar
3. Babar c
4. Iftikhar
5. Rizwan wk
6. Shakeel
7. Shadab
8. Nawaz
9. Hasan
10. Shaheen
11. Rauf

 

[gazza619]

Pakistan should play only 1 of Shadab and Nawaz and Usama should be playing every game.

20 overs of Nawaz and Shadab to go with 10 from Hasan Ali (Who can be shielded somewhat with new ball) will be a big weakness if Pakistan plays both Shadab and Nawaz.

10 overs from Shaheen, 10 from Rauf, 10 from Hasan, 10 from Mir, 5-8 from Shadab/Nawaz, 2-5 from Iftikhar

Given the resources Pakistan can't afford to go with both Shadab and Nawaz in the same XI

You can make all the bowling plans in the world. Pakistan will only progress to the finals if the batters fire.