On Tuesday, Pakistan revealed their lineup for the first Super 4 match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.
There is one change in the team compared to their previous match. Fast-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has been included in the squad, replacing spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz. The rest of the team remains unchanged.
Our playing XI for the Super 4 match against Bangladesh 🇵🇰💪#AsiaCup2023 | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/kEfGMsvsgr
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 5, 2023
It’s worth noting that in their crucial match against India last Saturday, the spin bowlers in the squad were unable to take any wickets, while the fast bowlers managed to dismantle the opponent’s entire batting lineup in 48.5 overs of the 50-over game. Mohammad Nawaz conceded 55 runs in eight overs in that match.
The game against India was ultimately called off due to persistent rain in Kandy before Pakistan could begin their run-chase. However, Pakistan qualified for the Super 4 stage as the points were shared.
The player stepping in for Mohammad Nawaz last played an ODI match against Afghanistan last month, where Faheem Ashraf took two wickets in eight overs.
In their opening match of the continental tournament, Pakistan convincingly defeated Nepal, who were making their Asia Cup debut. Pakistan’s playing XI for the upcoming match is as follows:
- Babar Azam (c)
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Fakhar Zaman
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Agha Salman
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Faheem Ashraf
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf