PAK vs BAN: Pakistan playing XI vs Bangladesh, Match 31, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in match No. 31 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Tuesday.

Pakistan entered the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as one of the favourites to win the title, but the way they have performed it is totally opposite. After winning the first two games of the tournament against Netherlands and Sri Lanka, Pakistan have now suffered four consecutive defeats, which is the first time in their history of games, and they are virtually out of the tournament.

But as usual, nothing can be said in cricket, and there are some ifs and buts for Pakistan to qualify for the next round. They will have to win all their remaining games and will face Bangladesh on Tuesday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Bangladesh also have a similar story as Pakistan. And here we will talk about Pakistan's predicted playing XI against Bangladesh.

PAK vs BAN: Pakistan's Predicted playing XI vs Bangladesh

1. Abdullah Shafique :

Abdullah Shafique has been among the runs for Pakistan and has given the team some good starts. He has scored 264 runs at an average of 52.80 and has scored against all the bowling attacks. However, he hasn't played long innings regularly, which will be in his mind as well, and he will look to play a long knock for his team.

2. Imam-ul-Haq :

A lot has been said about Imam-ul-Haq about his slow approach, but that is how he plays. The left-hander has looked out of touch in this tournament and has scored only one half-century in the tournament, which is totally opposite to the 50+ batting average in his career. However, Imam will be determined to deliver a good innings and shut down the critics.

3. Babar Azam (C) :

Babar Azam has scored three half-centuries in six innings but hasn't converted those into hundreds, which he usually does. That is missing for Pakistan, and the captain will be aware of that, and we might witness a big score from Babar Azam against Bangladesh. He has scored 207 runs at an average of 34.50 so far.

4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk) :

Mohammad Rizwan is the one who has shown intent and has been consistent so far for his country. He has been scoring runs and has made 333 runs at an average of 66.60, and a lot will depend on how he performs on Tuesday. With the form he is in, it is expected of him that he will deliver once again.

5. Saud Shakeel :

Despite Pakistan's failure, Saud Shakeel has been positive in the middle-order for the team. The left-hander has shown great approach towards the spinners, which is why he is very successful in the middle overs. Saud has scored 212 runs at a strike rate of 101.43, and his ability to score at a good pace puts pressure on the opposition.

6. Iftikhar Ahmed :

Iftikhar Ahmed has been a floater in the team and has batted in different positions. Pakistan have used him more like a finisher when there was a need to score quick runs, and he has been successful in that. Iftikhar has scored 122 runs at a strike rate of 118.14, but Pakistan should use him more because he is a pretty dangerous batter.

7. Shadab Khan :

Shadab Khan has been a major disappointment for Pakistan in this tournament. Being the main spinner in the team, he has taken only two wickets at an average of 90, which is why Pakistan have struggled. With the bat, he has scored 117 at 29.53, but his premium role is most important for the team, and he will get some help in Kolkata and can pick a couple of wickets in the middle.

8. Usama Mir :

With Mohammad Nawaz not doing well, we might see Usama Mir back in the team. Coming in as a concussion substitute, he did well against South Africa, taking 2/45 and took two big wickets. His inclusion will give the team more variety with the ball, and he can be a wicket-taking option in the middle overs for Pakistan, which they have been lacking so far.

9. Shaheen Afridi :

Shaheen Afridi has done well with the ball, and he is the joint-third highest wicket-taker in this tournament so far. The left-hander has missed taking wickets with the new ball but has been superb in his second and third spells. He has taken 13 wickets in six innings at an average of 22.76. He will be a threat for Bangladesh with the new ball, in particular.

10. Mohammad Wasim Jr. :

Mohammad Wasim Jr. played his first match in the tournament against South Africa in the absence of Hasan Ali and looked pretty effective right away. He bowled in a tight lengths, always at the face of the batters, and finished at 2/50. Wasim will be looking to do something similar on Tuesday and run through Bangladesh batting-order.

11. Haris Rauf :

Haris Rauf is the fastest bowler going around, and Bangladesh have struggled against pace, which he can take advantage of. Though he has gone for runs, he has picked up important wickets. Haris has taken 10 wickets in six games so far and can be a big threat if he can bowl at good length and pace.