PAK vs AFG: Pakistan playing XI vs Afghanistan, Match 22, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - Predicted

Pakistan will face Afghanistan in match No.22 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Monday.

Pakistan got off to a brilliant start to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with two wins in their first two games. They started with a win against Netherlands and Sri Lanka. But then they had two big opponents to face, which resulted in consecutive defeats. Pakistan had a horrible defeat against India.

It was followed by a loss against Australia in Bengaluru. Pakistan are fifth on the points table with four points. Now they will face Afghanistan in match No. 22 of the tournament. This game will take place at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. It is a must-win contest for Pakistan, but they can't write off Afghanistan in spinning conditions. Here we will discuss the predicted playing XI for Pakistan against Afghanistan.

PAK vs AFG: Pakistan's Predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan

1. Abdullah Shafique :

Abdullah Shafique has been a great addition to the top of the order for Pakistan. He replaced Fakhar Zaman and has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. The right-hander has scored 197 runs in three innings at an average of 65.66 and a strike rate of 104.78. He can play spin well, which will make him a big wicket at the top.

2. Imam-Ul-Haq :

Imam-Ul-Haq has scored two half-centuries in four innings he has played and has looked good in patches. But Pakistan will hope for a big innings from him that can help the team in tough conditions in Chennai. Imam has scored 133 runs at an average of 33.25, and he is a very consistent batter.

3. Babar Azam (C) :

Babar Azam needs no introduction to this game. He is the number-one-ranked ODI batter at the moment. But he hasn't gotten going in this competition yet. With everything on the line, Pakistan will expect their captain to play a match-winning innings that can help them win this must-win game against Afghanistan on Monday. We might see a big innings from Pakistani captain.

4. Mohammad Rizwan (Wk) :

Mohammad Rizwan has been the best batsman for Pakistan in this competition. He is at the top of the run-scorers chart and has scored runs in almost every game. Rizwan has made 294 runs in 4 matches at an average and strike rate of 98 and 96.39. A lot will depend on how he plays because he is the back-bone of his team.

5. Saud Shakeel :

Saud Shakeel has become an important member in the middle-order with his ability to play spin well. He is one of the best players of spin for Pakistan, and will be up against Afghan spinners. Saud has scored 135 runs in four innings at an average of 32.75 and will be eager to play a big innings in a crucial game.

6. Iftikhar Ahmed :

Iftikhar Ahmed will be the X factor in this team. He is probably the cleanest striker of the ball in this line-up and can take on any bowling attack. He has been in great form with the bat as well and has scored runs. However, he will also be required with the ball, and as seen in the last few games, Iftikhar has picked up important wickets with the ball as well.

7. Shadab Khan :

Shadab Khan is expected to come back to the team as the pitch in Chennai will help the spinners. He didn't play in the last game against Australia but has been a key player in the middle with both bat and ball. His role will be clear, to take wickets and score crucial runs, and that is what his team will hope for.

8. Mohammad Nawaz :

Pakistan have not utilized Mohammad Nawaz to his best. He is more capable with the bat and can bat in any order. He can be a match-winner with the bat, and then with the ball, he can restrict any batting attack. He can be a tricky bowler to face.

9. Usama Mir :

With the pitch in Chennai offering spin, Pakistan are expected to go with three spinners. So we might see Usama Mir retain his place. He didn't have a great World Cup debut against Australia, he dropped a big catch and went for runs. But he can be a surprise package with his variations and can be a game-changer in the middle-overs.

10. Hasan Ali :

Hasan Ali will be key with the ball. Afghanistan rely on their openers a lot, and if he can pick a few wickets with the new ball, Pakistan can put pressure on them. Hasan has already picked up seven wickets in this tournament and will be looking to take a few more on Monday.

11. Shaheen Afridi :

Shaheen Afridi made a brilliant comeback in the last game against Australia with a fifer in losing cause. He has picked up the most wickets for his team and taken nine wickets in four games. He will be high on confidence after that spell and will be threatening with the new ball, and Afghanistan should be aware of him.