Asia Cup 2022: Predicted Playing XI of Pakistan against India in first match

India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns with each other in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 commencing on the 27^th of August later this month. Both teams will play against each other in their first match on the 28^th of August. Notably, Pakistan has already announced the squad for the tournament alongside India.

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Everyone is expecting that star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi might be in action against India if he gets fit and is available till then. So, taking the discussion bit ahead, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of Pakistan against India in the Asia Cup 2022.

Babar Azam

Babar Azam (Image Credit : Twitter)

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World number batter in all formats is geared up to perform against the arch-rivals. All fans and cricket experts are eagerly waiting to see the battle between the Indian bowling attack and Pakistani skipper Babar Azam. The 27-year-old is currently in very excellent form. He also became the first Pakistani skipper to win against India in the World Cup last year in 2021.

Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan ( Image Credit: Twitter)

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Senior wicketkeeper-batter is dominating the batting lineup of Pakistan and the opponent bowlers as well for the last few years. Mohammad Rizwan has impressed everyone with his amazing batting displays in the shortest format of the game. He is currently the world's number three batter in the T20 internationals.

Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman might be there to provide strength to the Pakistani batting at number three. He has been crucial for the team in many important matches. Even against India, he is known for his remarkable knock in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy when he smashed a century. Apart from this, he has the capabilities to go after the bowling attack of the men in blue.

Asif Ali

The senior batter can provide a bit of depth to the middle order of Pakistan in the first match against India. He has a good experience of playing in Arab conditions. So, Asif might emerge as a crucial factor for the men in green. Speaking of the batting order, then Asif might come up at number four to bat after Babar, Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman.

Khushdil Shah

Pakistan management and skipper Babar Azam can count on this batter to play a role of bridge between the middle order and lower order of the Pakistani batting lineup. Khushdil is also good with his finishing skills. If Pakistan falls into the situation of chasing, then he might be the one who can help the team to cross the line.

Iftikhar Ahmad

Spin-bowling all-rounder can contribute to the team in either of the ways during the first and crucial match of the Asia Cup against India. He can trouble the Indian batters with his spin bowling and also have the capabilities to score some crucial runs for the team when it will be needed most.

Shadab Khan

One of the prime highlights of the Pakistan Super League, Shadab Khan has impressed everyone with his amazing performances in the quickest format of the game. He can turn the match anytime with his handy batting skills and also with the bowling when skipper Babar will feel his need.

Usman Qadir

The left-arm spinner is set to lead the spin attack of the Pakistani team in the multi-team continental tournament. He has emerged as the new finding for Pakistan in the last couple of years. Usman Qadir can provide some essential breakthroughs to the team by troubling the senior batters of the Indian team.

Haris Rauf

The pacer from Rawalpindi has been the talk of the town after his amazing performances in the PSL. Apart from that, he has also bowled exceptionally well whenever he got the chance to feature for the national side of Pakistan. Rauf will be one of the premier players to watch out for in the contest between India and Pakistan.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Afridi: (Image Source: Twitter)

Premier paceman is currently not in action due to a knee injury. But the 22-year-old is expected to be back on the field in action before the commencement of the Asia Cup 2022. Shaheen Afridi shocked everyone when he bundled the Indian top order last year in the World Cup clash of 2021. He scalped the three big wickets of former skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul.

Shahnawaz Dahani

The young pacer can accompany Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi in the pace attack during the middle overs of the match. He can also play a vital role in the slog overs with his sheer pace and skills with the ball. He might also get a call-up in the playing XI against India in the first match of the Asia Cup.