After two back-to-back losses, Pakistan are in a must-win situation. The team will now be up against Afghanistan in Match 22 of the World Cup 2023 on October 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. It was a disappointing outing for the Men in Green with both bat and ball in their last game against Australia. While the bowlers gave away over 367 runs, the batters failed to chase down the target and got bundled out for 305. The side has called back all-rounder Shadab Khan in place of Mohammad Nawaz.
MA Chidambaram Pitch Report
The pitch is expected to be dry and dusty and spinners from both teams will play a big role. Despite a poor outing Pakistan will be tempted to continue with Usama Mir due to the spin friendly pitch.
Pakistan cricket team is struggling with their bowling and their spinners have been at the recieving end in all 4 games. Their fielding is another aspect that led them down in the game against Australia.
Pakistan dropped Shadab Khan against Australia and picked Usama Mir, who was taken to the cleaners by Australia, leaking 82 runs in nine overs. However, the spinner gets another chance to justify his place.
While Shadab’s performance has not been great, his all-round skills, including his athleticism on the field gives him an added advantage over Mohammad Nawaz, who has struggled in the tournament so far.
Pakistan Playing XI vs India
- Abdullah Shafique
- Imam Ul Haq
- Babar Azam (C)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Usama Mir
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
Pakistan World Cup 2023 Squad
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
