Fakhar Replaced, Rauf Out? Pakistan’s Strongest XI For Champions Trophy Match vs India

Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf [Source: @Shami1302, @TheRealPCB/X]

Yesterday, Pakistan had a torrid start to their Champions Trophy campaign, losing the first match against New Zealand by 60 runs. Batting first, the BlackCaps posted a mammoth score of 320 runs, riding on scintillating knocks from Tom Latham, Will Young and Glenn Phillips. In response, Pakistan were bowled out for 260, losing the game by a comprehensive margin. 

As they incurred a defeat in the tournament opener, Pakistan's next encounter against arch-rivals India is a must-win affair for them. As they prepare for the crucial clash, let's analyse and find out their strongest combination for this match. 

What Should Be Pakistan’s Top Order Without Fakhar Zaman?

Pakistan’s swashbuckling opener Fakhar Zaman hurt his knee while trying to save a boundary with a desperate dive in the very first over of the Champions Trophy. Although he resumed fielding after a long break, Fakhar was visibly upset with his troubled knee, struggling to run efficiently between the wickets and play his trademark sweeps and reverse sweeps. 

According to several media agencies, Fakhar won't travel to Dubai for Pakistan's second game against India. Geo TV has even reported that the explosive opener could be ruled out of the Champions Trophy, with Imam-ul-Haq likely to replace him in the squad. 

If Imam joins the team as Fakhar's replacement, he should open the innings with Babar Azam, who struck a valiant fifty in the first game. In 71 ODI matches, Imam has scored 3138 runs at an average of 48.28 and a strike rate of 82.56. 

Will Saud Shakeel Be Dropped Due To Poor Form?

(Saud Shakeel’s Stats Since ODI Comeback)

Meanwhile, the hosts should bring either Kamran Ghulam or Usman Khan (preferably the former) into the XI in place of Saud Shakeel, who has recorded consecutive failures as a top-order batter since his ODI comeback. Shakeel has neither been a consolidator nor an accelerator, so we reckon he should be replaced in the top order. 

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Should Pakistan Exclude Haris Rauf? 

(Haris Rauf's recent ODI stats and record vs India)

Ace speedster Haris Rauf had a forgettable game against New Zealand, as he recorded the most expensive spell for his country in the Champions Trophy. Rauf conceded 83 runs in ten overs while picking up only two wickets. 

As evidenced by the above stats, Rauf hasn’t been at his best in ODIs of late. Also, he doesn’t have a great record against India, with his average, strike rate and economy (6.40) being on the higher side. 

However, Pakistan don’t have a quality alternative for him in their Champions Trophy squad. Mohammad Hasnain, their reserve seamer, has been more disappointing (5 wickets at an average of 51.60 in 6 ODIs since 2024) and therefore, the hosts should give Rauf another chance. 

Pakistan Should Keep The Remaining Team Unchanged

While Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman and Tayyab Tahir should bat at their preferred 4, 5 and 6 batting slots, Khushdil Shah, who slammed a magnificent half-century should be locked in as the number seven batter. 

Shaheen Afridi had a rare off day against New Zealand and should be persisted with, considering he has bagged seven wickets in only four ODIs against India. Also, Naseem Shah seemed to be in rhythm vs New Zealand and should spearhead the pace attack with Rauf and Shaheen. 

Pakistan’s Strongest XI vs India

Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

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