No Imad Wasim; Babar Azam To Drop Azam Khan, Amir; Pakistan’s Probable XI Vs USA

Imad Wasim won't play for Pakistan against USA due to injury concerns (X.com)Imad Wasim won't play for Pakistan against USA due to injury concerns (X.com)

A day after India's T20 World Cup 2024 opener, Pakistan will have their first game in the ongoing edition against the co-hosts USA, at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. They, along with India, are placed in Group A, with Ireland and Canada occupying the other two spots.

The Men in Green had disastrous preparations in England, where they suffered a 0-2 defeat against the defending champions in a four-match series where two matches were abandoned due to rain.

More significantly, their star performers, thought to be their primary weapons in the showpiece event, failed miserably. And to make matters worse, Imad Wasim won't be there as well due to side strain.

Pakistan may opt to take a bold call, with Mohammad Rizwan returning to be at the top with Babar. This means there won't be any place for Saim Ayub, and Azam Khan, who failed to shine time after time, is also expected to be benched.

In Imad's absence, Pakistan may give a chance to Abbas Afridi to add an extra batter in the unit. Usman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed are of course going to be there, while Shadab Khan, despite his continuous failure, is likely to retain his place.

Among bowlers, Abrar Ahmed could return as Pakistan's only designated spin bowler, while Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi, in all likelihood, will form the potent fast bowling trio.

Pakistan's Probable Playing XI Vs USA

Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed