Pakistan has announced a 18-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The squad, led by Babar Azam, features some new faces as well as some experienced players who have been recalled to the national team.
The most notable exclusion from Pakistan squad have been Shan Masood and Zaman Khan. Faheem Ashraf has been preferred over Zamam him due to former’s all-round abilities.
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When asked about dropping Shan Masood from squad, newly-appointed Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said that the all-rounder didn’t perform well in last 3 months for the national side.
“He [Shan Masood] has scored one fifty in last nine matches, his performance hasn’t been up to the mark in last three months. Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique performed better, said Inzamam Ul Haq in Press Conference.
Tayyab Tahir surprise pick in Pakistan’s squad
Pakistan’s Emerging Asia Cup 2023 final hero Tayyab Tahir has been included in the squad for the Asia Cup 2023. Tahir scored a brilliant hundred in the final against India and helped Men in Green to lift the title.
Tayyab Tahir scored 108 off 71 balls and powered the young Men in Green to a mammoth 352-run in the final.
Pakistan to begin Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Nepal
Pakistan is placed in Group A along with India and Nepal. They will play their first match against Nepal on August 30 at Multan Cricket Stadium. They will then face India on September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Fours stage, where they will play against each other once. The final will be held on September 17 at R.Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka.
After the Asia Cup, Pakistan will travel to Afghanistan for a three-match ODI series, which will be played from September 21 to September 25. This will be Pakistan’s first bilateral series against Afghanistan and a historic occasion for both teams.
Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2023:
Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam Ul Haq, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz
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