Asia Cup 2023, Super Fours Match 5 | Pakistan's Predicted XI vs Sri Lanka

image-lmgmocttPakistan will face Sri Lanka in a do-or-die game in the Super Fours in Asia Cup 2023  (Source: AP Photos)

Pakistan will be against Sri Lanka in the 5th match of the Super 4 round of Asia Cup 2023. They are in the 3rd place in the Super 4 points table with 1 win & 1 loss. They lost their last game against India by a huge margin of 228 runs which dented their net run-rate to -1.892. They must defeat Sri Lanka to qualify for the finals of Asia Cup 2023. 

Two of Pakistan's premier pacers - Haris Rauf & Naseem Shah didn't came to bat against India due to niggles that they received during the game. Rauf didn't bowl in the reserve day while Naseem Shah got injured during the match. It's a huge blow to the team as both are the backbone of their pace attack alongside Shaheen Afridi. 

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Zaman Khan has replaced Naseem Shah while Shahnawaz Dahani has also been added to the squad as a back-up. Zaman Khan will replace Naseem Shah while Haris Rauf can also be rested in this game keeping in mind the World Cup 2023. Pakistan may make a few other changes in their batting unit as well. Here's Pakistan's probable playing XI for the Super 4 match against Sri Lanka. 


1. Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman has struggled badly in the tournament until now but he will play the game as he's a key batter for Pakistan at the top of the order. He has a double century to his name ODI cricket and is known for scoring big when on song. He has scored 640 runs in 14 ODI innings this year at an average of 49.2 & has 3 fifties and 1 century to his name. 

2. Imam ul Haq

Imam ul Haq has been very consistent in the 50-over format since the last year. He is averaging 40.7 for his 448 runs in 11 innings this year with 5 half-centuries. He has been pretty average in Asia Cup 2023 but he's a quality batter at the top for Pakistan will open the innings against Sri Lanka. 

3. Babar Azam (Captain)

Babar Azam is the best batter in his side and one of the best in world cricket. He scored a brillaint 150 against Nepal in the first game but has failed miserably since then. He will be eager to lead from the front and he's expected to do well in this game. 

4. Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)

Mohammad Rizwan will bat at number 4 & keep wickets for Pakistan. He's amongst the best wicket-keeper batters in world cricket and has been in decent touch. He scored a crucial fifty against Bangladesh and will be a key batter in the middle order. Rizwan is a busy player and is excellent against the spinners. 

5. Agha Salman

Pakistan may look to replace Agha Salman with Abdullah Shafique at number 5 but Agha has played a couple of good knocks this year and is averaging 33.5. He also bowls part-time off-spin which can be crucial against Sri Lanka's batting unit which consists of 4 left-handers in their top 8. Salman is expected to retain his place and he must perform in this game. 

6. Iftikhar Ahmed

Iftikhar Ahmed is a key batter for Pakistan down the order. He can tonk the ball and is capable of rebuilding an innigns in case of a top-order collapse. He scored a century against Nepal in the first game but has been average since then. Iftikhar bowls off-spin which will be crucial against Sri Lanka. 

7. Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan is the lead-spinner for Pakistan and will fancy his chances on the slow-ish track in Colombo. He is capable with the bat as well and can score some useful runs down the order. Shadab is a utility player who will contribute with both bat and ball for Pakistan. 

8. Faheem Ashraf

Faheem Ashraf add to the batting depth for Pakistan and he is expected to play this game. He can bowl a few overs with the new ball & then in the death overs as well. He is handy with the bat and can score some runs if he gets the chance to bat. 

9. Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi is one of the best all-formats bowlers in world cricket and has been in great form in Asia Cup 2023. He has 8 wickets in 4 games. Afridi is the best bowler in his team and is a genuine wicekt-taker in the power play & then towards the end of the innings. He has improved his power game with the bat and can hit a long ball. 

10. Mohammad Wasim Jnr.

Mohammad Wasim Jnr. is in the squad. The Pakistan team management might use him in place of Haris Rauf, not willing to risk the aggravation of the later's injury ahead of World Cup 2023.

11. Usama Mir

Usama Mir is a leg-break bowler, who make his way into the team instead of Naseem Shah. The pacer walked off with a injury while bowling the last over of his spell against India. Keeping the wicket of Colombo in mind, Pakistan might look to use Mir instead of Shah.


Pakistan's Probable Playing XI vs Sri Lanka

Fakhar Zaman
Imam ul Haq
Babar Azam (c)
Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
Agha Salman
Iftikhar Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Faheem Ashraf
Shaheen Afridi
Zaman Khan
Shahnawaz Dahani