Shaheen Afridi To Be Promoted; Saim Ayub Dropped? Pakistan Probable XI Vs India

Saim Ayub and Haris Rauf. [Source - @ramz004/x.com]

India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in a high-voltage Super 4 clash of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Stadium. This will be their second face-off in the tournament, with the Men in Blue having edged past Pakistan last Sunday, and they will look to carry that momentum forward.

Pakistan have looked unconvincing so far but secured their Super 4 spot with wins against UAE and Oman. As Agha Salman and his men gear up for the next round and look to make things equal with India, let's analyse and find out their most potent XI for the anticipated contest.

Saim, Farhan To Open; Fakhar Should Continue At Number 3

Why Saim Ayub should not be dropped by Pakistan?

Despite scoring three consecutive ducks in the Asia Cup, Saim Ayub should not be dropped against India. His explosive batting potential remains unmatched in the current Pakistan squad, and form can return anytime. More importantly, his bowling has added significant value, providing breakthroughs and control. Dropping him now could cost Pakistan a versatile asset when it matters most.

(Pakistan Openers in T20Is this year)

• Despite his lean run, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan is Pakistan's most reliable opening duo this year with over 300 runs each.
• Alternatives remain unconvincing as Fakhar Zaman has scored a brilliant fifty at number 3 in the last game and has struggled as an opener, averaging just 17.55 in 2025.
• Retaining Ayub provides stability at the top, ensuring Pakistan does not disrupt its best-performing combination of the year with so much at stake in the Super 4 round.

Hasan Nawaz To Play At Four, Demoting Salman And Haris

(Top three run-scorers at 4 and 5 in T20I for Pakistan since 2024.)

• Hasan Nawaz has already proven himself in the middle order with 270 runs at a 159.76 strike rate, including two fifties at No. 4–5, making it pointless to push him further down.
• Mohammad Haris showcased his value higher up with a brilliant 66 in Pakistan’s opening game, and continuing him after Nawaz ensures sustained attacking intent.
• Agha Salman’s strike rate of 105.19 at No. 4–5 since 2024 has repeatedly killed the momentum for Pakistan, so shifting him lower behind Nawaz and Haris would be better.

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Mohammad Nawaz Over Faheem and Khushdil at 7

• Mohammad Nawaz, despite a lean run with the ball, is still Pakistan’s best bet at No.7 with his proven batting ability and past record.
• Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf do not add enough value with either bat or ball to warrant selection.

Shaheen’s Batting Form Could Give Pakistan the Luxury of an Extra Bowler

(Top Three Best Batting Strike-rate in Asia Cup 2025)

• Shaheen Afridi’s recent hitting form (64 runs at 206.45 strike-rate) makes him a reliable No.8, providing depth without needing Faheem Ashraf or Khushdil Shah.
• This allows Pakistan to include an extra specialist bowler in the XI, strengthening their bowling attack.

Muqeem to Strengthen the Bowling, Haris to Continue

• Haris Rauf should continue in the XI after a strong comeback against UAE, maintaining his rhythm and impact with the ball.
• Sufiyan Muqeem deserves a second chance in the tournament, having been exceptional at the start of his T20I career with 27 wickets at an average of 14.74.
• Abrar Ahmed has given just 3.51 runs per over in this tournament, keeping things under control and allowing other bowlers to support and take wickets.

Pakistan's Probable Playing XI

Considering all these factors, Pakistan’s probable playing XI against India might look like this:

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Agha Salman (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed.

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