Pakistan Announces Unchanged Playing XI for Super 4 Clash Against India

In a crucial showdown between two cricketing giants, Pakistan has declared an unchanged Playing XI for their Super 4 clash against India in the Asia Cup. The formidable ICC’s top-ranked team is riding high on their stellar performance and is determined to maintain the momentum that led them to a resounding 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their opening Super 4 clash held in Lahore. 

Consistency in Playing XI

Pakistan’s decision to stick with the same XI that triumphed over Bangladesh showcases their confidence in the squad’s capabilities. Their winning formula from the previous match remains unaltered as they prepare to face their arch-rivals, India, in Colombo. This continuity in team selection demonstrates Pakistan’s belief in their winning combination. 

The Pakistani team appears well-balanced, featuring a blend of batting and bowling prowess. Their chosen XI includes only one specialist spinner, Shadab Khan, with Iftikhar Ahmed as the part-time spin option. Faheem Ashraf, who replaced Mohammad Nawaz in the last match against Bangladesh, retains his place after an impressive bowling performance, where he secured a wicket for just 27 runs in seven overs.  

Babar Azam Praises His Pace Trio

In the group-stage match against India, Pakistan’s spinners couldn’t make significant inroads, with all ten wickets falling to the pace attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi shone with four scalps, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah contributed by picking three wickets each. Naseem Shah briefly left the field with a shoulder injury concern during the Super Four match against Bangladesh but returned swiftly and continued bowling, alleviating any fears of a significant setback.  

Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, expressed his satisfaction with the pace attack’s splendid performance in the tournament. He commended the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah for their confidence, rhythm, and ability to bowl to their strengths. Babar also acknowledged the bench strength, highlighting that other talented bowlers in the squad are awaiting their opportunity to shine. 

“Our pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah looks very confident, they are in a good rhythm and bowling to their strength. Faheem Ashraf proved himself in the match against Bangladesh. We also have other bowlers lined up in our squad, Somehow, they are not getting the chance in the XI but I wish him luck in the future,” Babar said on the eve of the clash against India.  
Pakistan’s Playing XI Against India: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.

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