Fakhar Zaman To Replace Shafique? Pakistan's Strongest Squad For Champions Trophy

Anurag Dasgupta

Fakhar likely to replace Shafique [Source: @virendersehwag/X.Com]Fakhar likely to replace Shafique [Source: @virendersehwag/X.Com]

Pakistan for the majority of 2024 looked down and out across formats, however, in the last one month, they have resurrected themselves and suddenly have become a force to reckon in the ODI format.

Under the captaincy of their new leader, Mohammad Rizwan, the team has gelled really well and have won three ODI series on a trot. The Men IN Green created history on Monday morning when they became the first team to inflict an ODI series whitewash at home to South Africa, and this will give them loads of confidence in the Champions Trophy.

They have a stable squad and have quality players in all three departments of the game. Ahead of the mega event, we take a look at their strongest possible squad for Champions Trophy.

No place for Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar returns

Pakistan have one of the strongest batting lineup in the ODIs. The emergence of Saim Ayub has given the team an attacking dimension as the youngster continues to rise with each game. He recently scored two centuries against the Proteas and will be the first choice opener alongside, not Abdullah Shafique, but Fakhar Zaman.

Shafique scored three ducks in a row Vs South Africa and should be out of the playing XI. However, he will still be in the squad as the third choice opener. The attacking duo of Fakhar and Saim will allow the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to play their natural game in the middle-order.

Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir, two promising players will also be in the lineup alongside all-rounder, Agha Salman, whose spin bowling will be quite useful on Dubai tracks and on Pakistan wickets.

Apart from Agha Salman, Irfan Khan Niazi will be the second all-rounder in the side, but due to his inexperience, he might not get a game.

Shaheen, Rauf to form a fearsome Pakistan bowling attack

In Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, Pakistan have formed a formidable pace attack capable of taking down any batting lineup in the world. The trio wreaked havoc in the ODIs Vs South Africa and will be potent once again in the Champions Trophy.

Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem will be the two mystery spinners in the side and Mohammad Hasnain will be the back-up pacer if someone gets injured.

Pakistan's Strongest squad for Champions Trophy

Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c,wk) Kamran Ghulam, Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Abdullah Shafique, Irfan Khan Niazi

Pakistan's strongest XI for Champions Trophy

Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c, wk), Kamran Ghulam, Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed