ODI World Cup 2023: Predicting Pakistan’s Playing XI for their encounter against Sri Lanka

The Men in Green are all set to lock horns against Sri Lanka on October 10 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad to play their second game of the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, both sides last met in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023, where the Dasun Shanaka side thrashed Babar Azam and Co. out of the tournament to enter the finals of the Continental Cup.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team recorded the win against the Netherlands on October 6, whereas Sri Lanka suffered the heartbreaking NRR defeat against the Proteas in their opening game of the marquee event. However, Pakistan will be looking to continue their winning momentum, while Sri Lanka still wants to get their first win. Check out here the probable playing XI of Pakistan’s team against Sri Lanka.

Here are the ODI World Cup 2023 Pakistan’s Playing XI:

Openers: 

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk.)

Pakistan star openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are expected to open the innings. Notably, both great batters failed to give a great start against the Netherlands; however, they are expected to give a stellar start to the Men in Green to win their second game. Following them, skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper batsman Muhammad Rizwan will bat at numbers 3 and 4. The 28-year-old skipper is currently in the top spot in the ODI rankings and is expected to continue making runs with great intensity. Rizwan played a crucial knock against the Netherlands and is expected to repeat the same against Sri Lanka.

Middle-order: 

Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed

Saud Shakeel showed his stellar class in the warm-up games of the 2023 ODI World Cup, especially against Australia. Following that, the right-handed batter continued his form in their opening game as well. Meanwhile, the middle order batter is expected to boost Pakistan’s middle order with Iftikhar Ahmed during the play.

All-rounders: 

Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan

Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan are the two important all-rounders for the Men in Green. Notably, both greats boosted their middle order in their opening game against the Netherlands, and this time they are also expected to boost the lower middle order alongside a couple of early wickets to put Sri Lanka in trouble.

Bowlers: 

Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

All three pacers are equally important for the men in green. Shaheen Afridi is the top bowler in the cricketing world and sets to trouble the great batsmen during the play. Notably, Naseem Shah has ruled out; however, the trio will be expected to make the best pace attack during the game. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf has the chance to become the leading run scorer in the marquee event owing to his great form.