Pakistan Strongest Playing XI For Asia Cup 2023
Pakistan Strongest Playing XI: Cricket enthusiasts are counting down the days with excitement as the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 approaches, set to kick off in less than three weeks. Co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, this prestigious tournament has generated fervent anticipation, with India and Pakistan emerging as strong contenders for clinching the championship. Additionally, both Bangladesh and Afghanistan are seen as capable of delivering remarkable performances and potentially surprising outcomes.
The latest development came in the form of Pakistan revealing their carefully selected 17-player roster for the upcoming event. Being one of the host nations, Pakistan is determined to leverage the home advantage and secure victory in the tournament, a feat they haven’t accomplished in over a decade. Under the leadership of Babar Azam, Pakistan aspires to bring home the coveted trophy. This competition holds immense significance for Pakistan, as it will not only provide them with valuable insights into their readiness for the World Cup 2023 but will also serve as a crucial gauge for their preparedness following the conclusion of the continental championship.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2023 Announced Read more
Pakistan Strongest Playing XI
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman’s primary role will be to ignite strong beginnings for Pakistan in the upcoming competition. During the 2018 edition of the tournament, the left-handed batsman struggled to make a significant impact, managing only 56 runs across five matches at a disappointing strike rate of 62.22.
In this edition, he aims to enhance his performance in the Asian tournament. His batting prowess shines on home turf, amassing an impressive 817 runs in 17 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) with a strike rate of 89.19. Zaman’s performance in one-day cricket this year has been outstanding. During a three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January, he tallied 157 runs across three matches, maintaining a remarkable average of 52.33.
New Zealand embarked on another tour to Pakistan in April for a five-match ODI series, and on this occasion, Zaman emerged as the top run-scorer, accumulating 363 runs in five matches at a striking strike rate of 99.45. In the series, he also achieved two centuries, significantly contributing to his team’s comfortable victory over the visiting side.
Imam-ul-Haq
In the previous edition of the ODI tournament, Imam-ul-Haq stood out as Pakistan’s top performer with the bat. He accumulated 225 runs across five matches, including three half-centuries. Despite being the standout player for his team, he faced criticism for his inability to secure a victory for Pakistan in the Super Four match against Bangladesh.
In the upcoming tournament, the Pakistan team management anticipates Imam-ul-Haq to provide strong support to his in-form opening partner, Fakhar Zaman, and contribute match-winning innings to his team. In the current year, Imam-ul-Haq has participated in five ODIs, amassing 191 runs with a couple of half-centuries. During the five-match ODI series against New Zealand in April-May, he played in three matches and scored 174 runs while securing two half-centuries.
Since 2022, he has displayed significant confidence in his batting and has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s success in important matches. Similar expectations are placed on him for the 2023 Asia Cup. As a left-handed opening batter, he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer for Pakistan in ODIs, compiling 505 runs in eight matches, which includes two centuries and four half-centuries.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam is set to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s campaign in the upcoming weeks. During the T20 International (T20I) format of the Asia Cup in 2022, Babar faced difficulties against bowlers and couldn’t live up to his reputation. His performances in previous editions of the Asia Cup have also been below expectations.
In the 2018 edition of the tournament, he managed to accumulate 156 runs across five matches, achieving a strike rate of 70.90. However, Babar’s recent statistics are impressive, suggesting that the Pakistani captain could prove to be a formidable force against bowlers in the upcoming Asian competition. Holding the title of ODI Player of the Year for both 2021 and 2022 highlights his consistent performance.
In the current year, he has amassed 425 runs in eight ODIs, including a century and four half-centuries. The 28-year-old cricketer is determined to carry forward his exceptional form into the Asia Cup. As Pakistan enters the tournament as reigning champions, Babar will aim to seize this opportunity to showcase not only his batting prowess but also his captaincy skills.
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan is set to fortify Pakistan’s middle order with his exceptional batting abilities. During Pakistan’s ODI series against New Zealand in January, Rizwan emerged as the top run-scorer in the competition, amassing 182 runs across three matches with a strike rate of 86.66. His unbeaten innings of 77 runs played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory in the opening match held in Karachi.
In the previous T20-format Asia Cup, Rizwan distinguished himself as the leading run-scorer, accumulating 281 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 117.57. As the upcoming edition shifts to the ODI format, Rizwan aims to maintain his outstanding form in this esteemed tournament and guide Pakistan to Asian championship glory, replicating their success from 2012.
In the current year, the wicketkeeper-batsman has participated in eight one-day matches, amassing 343 runs from eight innings, showcasing a strike rate of 94.75. Anticipation runs high among Pakistan cricket team supporters as they look to Rizwan to deliver exceptional performances in the upcoming Asia Cup.
Salman Ali Agha
Agha Salman has secured a spot in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the upcoming tournament, providing him with a prime opportunity to cement his position in the national team for the 2023 World Cup. His performance in ODIs has been respectable thus far, with a total of 337 runs scored across 11 matches and 10 innings, featuring three half-centuries.
Salman holds the potential to bring stability to Pakistan’s batting lineup as a middle-order batsman, particularly in situations where the top-order faces setbacks. Additionally, he adds value to the team with his off-break bowling skills. In partnership with Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, he forms a well-rounded spin attack that could prove formidable, especially on turning pitches.
In the realm of List A cricket, Salman’s record shines with 69 wickets claimed while representing Lahore Lions in 81 matches and 76 innings, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 4.88. These statistics underscore his potential to become a valuable asset for Pakistan in the tournament. As a 29-year-old, he aims to strengthen Pakistan’s middle order alongside experienced teammate Mohammad Rizwan.
Mohammad Haris
Mohammad Haris has earned his spot in Pakistan’s lineup for the Asia Cup 2023. Despite the presence of Rizwan as a wicketkeeper, Haris is set to play a pivotal role with the bat. As a lower-middle-order batsman, his responsibility will be to harness his aggressive playing style to guide the team to victory.
At 22 years old, Haris is renowned for his prowess in power-hitting, a skill that has translated into success in Pakistan’s domestic cricket circuit. While he might not take up wicketkeeping duties due to Rizwan’s presence, he remains a key figure in the team’s batting lineup. In List A cricket, his track record is impressive, amassing 940 runs in 35 innings across 39 matches at an impressive strike rate of 107.55. In his limited appearances in ODI cricket, he has consistently maintained a strike rate above 100.
Haris recently captained Pakistan A to victory in the Emerging Asia Cup 2023, a success that bolsters his confidence for the crucial upcoming assignment with the national team. In the recently concluded Emerging Asia Cup, he tallied 132 runs in five matches with a strike rate of 111.86, further highlighting his potential to make a positive impact for Pakistan.
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Nawaz is anticipated to deliver exceptional performances with both bat and ball in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Renowned for his ability to dismantle bowling units on his best days, he holds the potential to launch a formidable assault. As a lower-middle-order batsman, his role will revolve around sealing matches. In tandem with Haris and Shadab, Nawaz has the capacity to exert significant pressure on bowlers during the final overs of an innings.
Taking into account his overall ODI batting statistics, the left-handed batter has accumulated 283 runs across 22 innings in 28 matches, maintaining a strike rate of 87.34. Nonetheless, Nawaz is yet to establish his prowess against top-tier opponents like New Zealand and England, leaving room for improvement against quality sides.
The upcoming Asia Cup presents an opportunity for Nawaz to exhibit his batting prowess and emerge as a match-winner for Pakistan with the bat. In the realm of bowling, his performance has been commendable, boasting 37 wickets at an economy rate of 4.94. Collaborating with Shadab Khan, Nawaz will play a crucial role in bolstering Pakistan’s spin attack.
Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan is set to lead Pakistan’s spin-bowling contingent in the upcoming tournament. With six years of experience in white-ball cricket, the 24-year-old can leverage his skills on the spinning tracks of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, utilizing his adept leg-break bowling to confound batsmen. Over the course of his ODI career, spanning 56 matches, Shadab has secured 73 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 5.13.
In the 2018 Asia Cup, Shadab faced challenges in terms of wicket-taking. He managed to claim merely four wickets across four matches at an economy of 5.20. However, in this edition, he aspires to present impressive bowling figures for his team. In the current year, he has participated in three ODIs, taking three wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 5.79.
Shadab’s value extends beyond his bowling prowess; he is also a proficient lower-order batsman. Noteworthy instances underline his contributions with the bat, aiding Pakistan in clinching victories. Across 33 innings, Shadab has compiled 631 runs at a respectable strike rate of 82.05. Furthermore, he has secured four half-centuries in the course of his ODI career.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
All eyes will be on Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is set to lead Pakistan’s formidable pace attack. Shaheen’s exceptional bowling talent holds the potential to turn the tide in favor of Pakistan and secure match-winning performances. During the Asia Cup in 2018, Shaheen marked his ODI debut in a Super Four match against Afghanistan.
However, his initial ODI series didn’t yield desired results, as he managed to secure only four wickets across three matches. Over his five-year ODI career, the fast bowler has accumulated an impressive tally of 70 wickets in 36 games, operating at an economy rate of 5.52. His return to the international arena in April of this year, following a knee ligament injury, was marked by his participation in the home ODI series against New Zealand. During this series, he claimed eight wickets in four matches while maintaining an economy rate of 5.60.
With Pakistan entering the Asia Cup as favorites, they hold a golden opportunity to clinch the prestigious trophy. As one of the senior players within the squad, Shaheen will be determined to play a pivotal role with the ball and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.
Naseem Shah
Emerging talent Naseem Shah is poised to carve his name among Pakistan’s finest ODI bowlers in the coming years. His early performances have showcased his potential for greatness. Across eight ODIs, Naseem has already amassed an impressive 23 wickets, all while maintaining an economical bowling rate of 4.73.
Naseem’s unheralded heroics were notably evident in Pakistan’s ODI victory against New Zealand in May of this year. Over the course of three matches in that series, the fast bowler secured five wickets with an economical bowling rate of 4.26. Furthermore, in the preceding series against New Zealand in January, where Pakistan faced a 1-2 loss at home, Naseem emerged as the leading wicket-taker. In the two out of three matches he participated in, he claimed a remarkable eight wickets at an economy rate of 6.10.
Throughout this year, the young cricketer hailing from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has maintained sensational form, clinching 13 wickets in just five ODIs with an economy rate of 5.00. As a 20-year-old, Naseem Shah stands as a pivotal figure for the Pakistani cricket team in the upcoming marquee continental tournament.
Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf is entrusted with the task of unsettling adversaries with his bowling prowess in the upcoming Asia Cup. At 29 years old, his capacity to befuddle batsmen through sheer pace and a range of variations stands out. Since his debut in October 2020, Rauf has amassed an impressive 39 wickets in 22 ODIs, boasting an economy rate of 5.85.
In the current year, Rauf’s ODI performances have been commendable, securing 10 wickets across seven matches with an economy rate of 5.96. During the series against New Zealand held in April-May, the right-arm fast bowler emerged as the leading wicket-taker, accumulating nine wickets in four games while maintaining an economy rate of 6.16.
Notably, a significant portion of Rauf’s ODI experience has been on Pakistani soil, allowing him to acclimatize to subcontinental conditions. Across 14 one-day matches played on home turf, he has clinched 20 wickets with an economy rate of 5.83. Given his extensive cricketing involvement in Pakistan this year, fans of the Pakistani cricket team are eagerly anticipating his standout performances in the upcoming competition.
Pakistan Strongest Playing XI
| # | Player | Team | Position | Date of Birth | Age | Avg | Mat | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Fakhar Zaman | PAK | batter | April 10, 1990 | 33 | 8.00 | 3 | 57.14 |
| 2 |  Imam-ul-Haq | PAK | August 12, 2023 | 0 | 23.00 | 4 | 79.31 | |
| 3 | Babar Azam(c) | PAK | August 22, 2023 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | |
| 2 | Salman Ali Agha | PAK | August 12, 2023 | 0 | 14.00 | 2 | 60.87 | |
| 5 | Mohammad Rizwan(w) | PAK | August 22, 2023 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 0.00 | |
| 2 | Mohammad Nawaz | PAK | All-Rounder | September 19, 2022 | 1 | 0.00 | 1 | 0.00 |
| 9 | Mohammad Haris | PAK | August 12, 2023 | 0 | 3.00 | 1 | 33.33 | |
| 2 | Shaheen Afridi | - | Bowler | August 12, 2023 | 0 | 1.60 | 5 | 114.29 |
| 10 | Shadab Khan | PAK | August 12, 2023 | 0 | 3.25 | 4 | 86.67 | |
| 2 | Haris Rauf | PAK | All-Rounder | September 19, 2022 | 1 | 0.00 | 4 | 0.00 |
| 11 | Naseem Shah | PAK | All-Rounder, Bowler | September 19, 2022 | 1 | 0.00 | 1 | 0.00 |
