AUS vs PAK: Pakistan playing XI vs Australia, Match 18, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - Predicted

Pakistan will lock horns with Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday in Bengaluru.

Pakistan are one of the top sides in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup. They started in similar fashion, with two good wins in their first two games of the tournament against Netherlands and Sri Lanka, respectively. But the game against India in Ahmedabad was a nightmare for them, as they had a horrible day in both departments.

That loss has certainly opened their eyes, and now Pakistan will look to improve the areas that they lacked. Now they will face Australia in their next game on Friday at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. It will be a very important game for them in this tournament. But they can't write off Australia by any means. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Pakistan against Australia.

AUS vs PAK: Pakistan's Predicted playing XI vs Australia

1. Fakhar Zaman :

Fakhar Zaman played the first game against Netherlands and was dropped for the next two games. But with Imam not performing well, it is expected that Pakistan will give Fakhar a chance at the top. The left-hander is an impactful performer, which is missing in this batting-order. Though he is not in form, he just needs one innings to get to his best.

2. Abdullah Shafique :

Abdullah Shafique struck a brilliant hundred in the record chase against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad. He also looked good against India and got a start, but couldn't carry on. However, he will be determined this time around to play a long innings that can help Pakistan get an edge over Australia. He is a batter who can score runs quickly in the middle.

3. Babar Azam :

Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has been by far the best batter for his country for the last two or three years, which is why he is at the top of the rankings. He scored a good half-century against India but got out at the wrong time. But he will be looking to play a big innings and take Pakistan to victory. He will be a big player against Australia on Friday.

4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk) :

If it is about current form, Mohammad Rizwan can be the biggest batter on the day for Pakistan. Rizwan has been in brilliant form and has been among the highest run-scorers, with 248 runs in 3 innings at an average of 124. He will be required one more time because he is in red-hot form and can use it during the day.

5. Saud Shakeel :

Saud Shakeel has been among the runs this tournament and has scored 105 runs in three innings at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 114.13. The left-hander showed some great ability to play shots against spinners and pacers and can be a player to watch out for because Australia haven't bowled against him.

6. Iftikhar Ahmed :

Iftikhar Ahmed is a key player for Pakistan in the middle because he adds value to this batting line-up with his hitting ability. He is one of the few Pakistani batters who can hit sixes at will. Iftikhar will be much-needed to score some quick runs for Pakistan and help them win the game. On the other hand, his part-time bowling will be another area to look into.

7. Mohammad Nawaz :

Mohammad Nawaz is the spin all-rounder in this tournament. He is a game-changer with both bat and ball. He has looked a bit rusty with the ball but has bowled economically well, and his numbers with the bat are better. So Pakistan will expect him to provide some important breakthroughs with the ball.

8. Usama Mir :

Usama Mir can be a surprise package against Australia. As per some media reports, Shadab Khan, who is struggling, will be dropped and replaced by Usama. The leg-spinner has a lot of variety in his bowling and can trouble Australian batters. Pakistan will use him as their main weapon in the middle-overs to take wickets, which they have lacked so far.

9. Hasan Ali :

Hasan Ali is the best bowler for Pakistan in this tournament so far and the highest wicket-taker. He has taken seven wickets in three innings at an average of 19.71. Hasan will be the key player for Pakistan with the new ball against Australian top-order and put them under pressure and remove a couple of early wickets.

10. Shaheen Afridi :

Shaheen Afridi is the most important bowler for Pakistan but has looked off-color so far in this tournament. But he needs one good spell to get into rhythm, and if the ball swings early on, Australia will surely be in trouble against him. Shaheen can rip through Australian batting and take Pakistan to victory.

11. Haris Rauf :

Bowling at 150 km/h has both advantages and disadvantages. Haris Rauf has been one of the quickest bowlers in this tournament. He has looked good in patches but will be required to deliver an impactful performance. He has taken five wickets in three games, and he can go for runs but is a wicket-taker in the middle-overs.