DALLAS: Pakistan, the champions of the 2009 edition, are set to begin their ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024 campaign against the United States on Thursday, June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who recently reignited their opening partnership with a solid 59-run stand in the fourth T20I against England, are expected to continue at the top of the order for this match.
Usman Khan, who capitalized on his opportunity in the last T20I against England with a blistering 38 off 21 balls, is expected to bat at number three. Similarly, Fakhar Zaman is likely to retain his usual spot at number four.
Wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan has been battling a lack of confidence following a string of underwhelming performances with both bat and gloves. This could prompt Pakistan to bring in Saim Ayub as a replacement.
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If selected, Ayub might open alongside Rizwan, with Babar Azam, Usman Khan, and Fakhar Zaman shifting to the third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively.
Smasher Iftikhar Ahmed is expected to take on a lower-order role, aiming to inject momentum during the final overs. With all-rounder Imad Wasim sidelined due to injury, Shadab Khan will be the lone specialist spinner in the XI, supported by Iftikhar Ahmed’s part-time spin.
Babar Azam said on Tuesday that Pakistan may field four pacers. Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Haris Rauf are certain starters, while Abbas Afridi could be favored over the recently expensive Naseem Shah.
Pakistan’s Probable Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (C), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah/Abbas Afridi/Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf.
