World Cup 2023, Match 12 | Pakistan Predicted XI vs India

image-lnouv3ijPakistan will be facing India in the 12th match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

The mother of all confrontations returns to light up the World Cup stage. Call it a derby or the new El Clasico, the biggest inter-continental behemoth in cricket kicks off on Saturday, October 14, when India takes on Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The archrivalry match is scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM IST. 

Both sides have started the mega-event with flying colors, earning four points from two matches. Pakistan is ranked fourth in the points standings, whereas India is ranked third due to a higher net run-rate.  

Pakistan began their campaign against the Netherlands, which they ultimately won by 81 runs thanks to a team effort. They went on to maintain their dominance, squeezing Sri Lanka with dazzling innings from Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan. 

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Meanwhile, India fought hard against Australia in their tournament opener, defeating the powerful Aussies by six wickets in an arduous run chase. Despite being pushed back for 2-3 in a few overs, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul rose to the occasion and laid the foundation for a successful pursuit of 200 runs. In their next assignment, India smashed Afghanistan convincingly, highlighted by Rohit Sharma's sparkling century and Virat Kohli's  half-century.

The last time both these nations battled, it was the Men in Blue that emerged on the top. Can the Men in Green bounce back and showcase what they possess? Let us have a quick round-up on Pakistan's predicted XI vs India for the upcoming contest.


Openers: Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq

After a brilliant ton from Abdullah Shafique, there's less chance that Fakhar Zaman could be around the top order of Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup. Shafique struck a whirlwhind 113 off 103 balls against Sri Lanka in their latest clash that laid the stepping stone for the chase of 345 runs. He is a steady batter and plays both spin and pace well. 

Shafique will be partnered by Imam at the top of the order. The southpaw is suffering from a little dip in form despite three half-centuries in the last couple of months. It will be interesting to see how the left-hander go about his business with the bat in the awaited clash.


Middle-Order: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel

Pakistan's middle order is their primary strength in the batting department. Everytime there's a collapse awaiting, either Babar Azam or Mohammed Rizwan or Saud Shakeel comes to the fore and denies the opposition. The first two matches of the World Cup have seen such circumstances so far for Pakistan.

Against Netherlands, Rizwan and Shakeel's 68 each helped them stabilise the innings while the wicketkeeper-batter struck an electrifying century, fighting against own body cramps to help his side go past the finishing line against Sri Lanka.

Babar Azam hasn't been in the best form but he is the skipper of the side and will look to bounce back in this hyped encounter.


All-rounders: Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Muhammad Nawaz

Pakistan have a good number of spin bowling all-rounders who will play a key role in the middle overs. Shadab Khan's form has been a bit of concern for the side but he is a big match player and may come in handy when it matters the most. Nawaz found his form back with the bat during the World Cup warm-up matches by touching a half-century. He has picked a decent number of wickets in recent times and will be a part of the side.

In addition, Iftikhar's part-time bowling has released the pressure on the five primary bowlers of Pakistan. The veteran also brought up a century against Nepal last year and generally is a great swashbuckler in the lower order.


Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali

Pakistan should continue to move on with the same trio in the bowling unit. Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali are likely to don the new ball and will quest for the early breakthrough. Haris Rauf will be their third pacer and will generally operate with the relatively old ball. Shaheen and Haris are sure starters while Hasan is filling the void for injured Naseem Shah who was ruled out of the quadrennial event.


Pakistan Predicted XI vs India

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Haris Rauf.