"Pakistan's probable lineup for Asia Cup showdown vs. India: Expert analysis on the anticipated starting XI."

 "Pakistan's probable lineup for Asia Cup showdown vs. India: Expert analysis on the anticipated starting XI."


In a highly anticipated showdown set for this Saturday in the picturesque city of Kandy, Pakistan is gearing up to face off against their arch-rivals, India, in the Asia Cup. The Men in Green are entering this match with a resounding 238-run victory over Nepal in their opening Asia Cup encounter, and it appears they are inclined to maintain their winning combination, barring any last-minute adjustments due to weather conditions or the potential for a rain-affected match.

Despite the recent struggles of opener Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan is expected to persist with their regular opening pair. Babar Azam, the captain, will be keen to continue his excellent form, exemplified by his remarkable 151-run innings against Nepal. Mohammad Rizwan, the reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, is slated to take the number four position in the batting lineup.

There is a slight possibility that Pakistan might contemplate swapping Agha Salman with Saud Shakeel, considering Salman's batting performance in the previous match. The inclusion of a left-handed batsman like Shakeel in the middle-order could provide a countermeasure against the threat posed by India's left-arm spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Nevertheless, Babar Azam has a track record of placing trust in his players despite occasional setbacks, so Agha Salman is expected to maintain his place.

Following his maiden ODI century against Nepal, Iftikhar Ahmed will be eager to continue making significant contributions to Pakistan's strong finishes in ODIs.

Shadab Khan, who delivered his best ODI bowling figures in the match against Nepal, is determined to build upon that success. Given the anticipated overcast weather conditions with the possibility of rain, Pakistan may mull over the addition of an extra fast bowler, with Faheem Ashraf potentially stepping in for Mohammad Nawaz.

The final three slots in the lineup will showcase the dynamic fast-bowling trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, renowned for their fiery pace and ability to unsettle batsmen. Despite concerns about an injury scare during the Nepal game, Shaheen is deemed fit to take the field against India on Saturday.

Expected Playing XI for Pakistan:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam ul Haq
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
- Agha Salman
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Faheem Ashraf/Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf

Pakistan Squad for the Asia Cup:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Mohammad Haris
- Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Usama Mir
- Faheem Ashraf
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Afridi

With their eyes fixed on victory and national pride at stake, cricket fans from both sides of the border eagerly await this electrifying encounter between Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup. The stage is set, and the players are ready to deliver a memorable clash that will be etched in cricketing history.

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