Asia Cup 2023: IND vs PAK: Combined Dream11 Playing XI - Predicted

India will play their opening game of Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan on 2nd September at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Kandy is set to host the big clash between two Asian giants, India and Pakistan. After 4 years, both of these arch-rivals will take on each other in a 50-overs format. Saturday will be a kind of holiday in both of these countries to witness the fiercest rivalry in world cricket. There is a possibility of India and Pakistan clashing multiple times in the tournament. If everything goes in favour of both these teams, fans can also witness a fierce final between India and Pakistan on September 17. Before that, India and Pakistan might take on each other once again on September 10 in super 4 round in Colombo.

A dream for everyone will be to see these two countries playing together, with one having legendary batters and the other having legendary pacers in their backyard. From Inzimam Ul Haq, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid to Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Kapil Dev, many big names have graced the game from India and Pakistan. Similarly, in current generations, several names have already made it big or are making it big on the world stage. Now, if we imagine the combined India-Pakistan playing XI with the current generation, this is how it will look.

IND vs PAK: Combined Dream11 Playing XI – Predicted

1. Rohit Sharma (c)

There is no doubt about the leadership option in the combined Indo-Pak eleven in the 50-overs format. Indian captain Rohit Sharma is probably the unchallenged leader among these two countries now. Along with his leadership, Rohit Sharma is also one of the finest opening batters in world cricket. Rohit Sharma is an automatic choice for the opening batter in this playing XI.

2. Babar Azam

Pakistan captain Babar Azam bats at No. 3 for Pakistan, but he can also be a great option for the opening slot along with captain Rohit Sharma in the combined playing XI. Babar became the quickest batter to score 19 ODI tons in world cricket after his magnificent 151-runs knock against Nepal in Asia Cup 2023 opener at Multan Cricket Stadium.

3. Virat Kohli

It is India and Pakistan’s luck that top batters like Rohit, Babar Azam, and Virat Kohli grace the game as their own. Virat Kohli may fit in any playing XI around the world because of the kind of consistency he possess across the formats. Virat Kohli is on the Greatest of All Time list in cricket and can provide his team with a stable top-order option in the batting lineup.

4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)

Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan will be strengthening the middle-order of the combined Indo-Pak team along with taking up the responsibility behind the stumps. Rizwan has been a decent option for Pakistan as the No. 4 batter in the ODIs and has provided stability with his batting approach. He has also done great as a wicket-keeper.

5. Iftikhar Ahmed

Looking at his current form, 33-years-old Iftikhar Ahmed will be a great option as the No. 5 spot in the middle-order. Iftikhar Ahmed has just started his one-day international career and has played only 15 ODIs so far. Iftikhar Ahmed smashed his maiden ODI hundred in Asia Cup opener against Nepal in Multan.

6. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is the best possible option available from both these countries as a pace bowling all-rounder. Pandya is known for his big hits in batting, and his aggressive nature on field will provide the Indo-Pak combined eleven with a good finisher option. Along with his batting, Pandya can also contribute 7–8 overs with his pace bowling.

7. Ravindra Jadeja

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be the only player in the top 7 with a left-handed batting option. Jadeja has been the most improved white-ball player in recent history, he has performed well with a stick in his hand. Jadeja has shifted to a more aggressive approach than before. Also a great option to keep over-rate in check and pick up wickets in the middle.

8. Shadab Khan

Pakistan’s spin all-rounder Shadab Khan is in red-hot form with the ball and also contributing decently with the bat. Shadab played a match-winning knock against Afghanistan in the second ODI and then picked up three wickets in the final game. Even against Nepal in Asia Cup opener, Shadab picked up four wickets. Leaving Shadab from this eleven will be a big mistake.

9. Naseem Shah

Pakistan’s cricket team has also produced legendary pace bowlers from its setup. Naseem Shah is a young product with a lot of promise for the future of international cricket. Naseem Shah will also take his place in the Indo-Pak combined eleven. Naseem has picked up 26 wickets in his 11 ODI games so far since his debut in August 2022.

10. Shaheen Afridi

A left-arm pace bowler always looks threatening in the playing XI, but if his name is Shaheen Shah Afridi, the danger gets bigger for the opposition. Shaheen Afridi has earned a lot of respect for his superb game in the white-ball format. The 23-years-old is among the most threatening pace bowlers in the world right now. He picked up two wickets in his first over against Nepal.

11. Jasprit Bumrah

There will be no doubt about Jasprit Bumrah making it to any eleven around the world, just like former Indian captain Virat Kohli. Bumrah has been a match-winner for India since he made his debut in international cricket. Coming out of a long injury break, Bumrah got a three-match T20I series against Ireland to get his rhythm back.

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