T20 World Cup 2021: Pakistan’s probable playing XI
Pakistan Cricket Board recently announced the squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. Like always, there were some debates and discussions around some players, but that is something which has become synonymous to Pakistan cricket. Let us take a look at the predicted starting XI for Pakistan:
Openers – Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
Since Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have started opening for Pakistan in the T20I format, the team’s batting unit looks pretty solid. The duo has managed to get some huge partnerships under their belt and are certainly capable of giving their side good starts. The fact that Azam is the captain of this side while Rizwan is another senior member indicates that there is some excellence and experience right at the top for Pakistan.
Middle order – Sohaib Maqsood, Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah
Pakistan have rekindled their middle-order. They tried Fakhar Zaman and somehow realised that it wasn’t working and didn’t bring back Shoaib Malik. Hence, they were left with Sohaib Maqsood, who to his credit did well in the PSL 2021 in the UAE. Asif Ali has been in and out of Pakistan teams recently but finally finds a place in the side. Khushdil Shah, who has been previously a part of the middle order in the T20s has been included again and should find a spot.
All-rounders – Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan
Mohammad Hafeez is going to bat at no. 3 without any doubt and might just turn out to be Pakistan’s best middle-order batter. His experience will be crucial along with his ability to add variety to the bowling with his right-arm off-spin bowling. Imad Wasim is an extremely smart operator in T20 cricket and should be able to find a spot in the starting XI. Shadab Khan will also get a place in this team and will strengthen their batting down the order.
Bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf
Shaheen Shah Afridi is one of the more exciting talents in world cricket right now and would be the leader of this pack, come the T20 World Cup in the UAE. On top of that, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali are likely to be the preferred choice. Pakistan have only picked Mohammad Hasnain as an extra seamer, but he is unlikely to start in the playing XI.
