Asia Cup 2018: Super Four, Match 2: Pakistan vs Afghanistan - Pakistan's Predicted XI

On Friday (September 21st), Pakistan would face Afghanistan in the second game of the super fours of Asia Cup 2018 at Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Pakistan lost their last group game to India by eight wickets in Dubai.

On the other hand, Afghanistan also got off to a fine start in Asia Cup 2018 beating Sri Lanka by 91 runs. Rahmat Shah played a brilliant knock of 72 runs to put up an excellent total of 249 runs. However, the bowlers did some fabulous job to rattle Sri Lankan team within 158 runs.

Now, ahead of Pakistan’s next encounter, here have a look at the predicted XI of Sarfraz Ahmed-led side.

Here is Pakistan’s Predicted XI:

1. Imam Ul Haq:

The southpaw, Imam Ul-Haq started his Asia Cup 2018 on a good note with an unbeaten fifty against Hong Kong. However, he couldn’t continue his form against India.

Now, he will be keen to put up a good show against Afghanistan the Asia Cup 2018 at Abu Dhabi.

2. Fakhar Zaman:

The left-hand batsman, Fakhar Zaman would be the key factor for Pakistan. He was unable to provide starts in both the matches against Hong Kong and India.

However, Fakhar will try to be at his best against Afghanistan on Friday (September 21). He will be keen to put up a good show in the next match.

3. Babar Azam:

Pakistan would want Babar Azam to score runs and stay at the top of his form in the coming matches in the UAE.

However, he batted well against Hong Kong as well as India and will try to put up his show against Afghanistan in the super fours game in the Asia Cup 2018.

4. Shoaib Malik:

Shoaib Malik acts as the critical factor for Pakistan team, and he always tries his best to put pressure on the opposition with his bat and sometimes with the ball. He played well against India and can also roll his arms during the middle overs of the game.

However, it would be interesting to see how Malik plays against Afghanistan.

5. Asif Ali:

The recently recruited batsman will surely make something good for Pakistan. Asif his doing his best in the recent and can be Pakistan’s trump card as well. However, Ali could handle pressure in the game against India.

Though he will be one of the youngsters to keep an eye on during the match against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2018.

6. Sarfraz Ahmed:

Pakistan skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed will be the backbone of the side. The wicketkeeper-batsman will have to take care of the team with his captaincy. It would be interesting to watch Sarfraz Ahmed with the bat and with gloves against Afghanistan on Friday.

7. Shadab Khan:

Shadab Khan would be Pakistan’s trump card against Afghanistan. He bowled well against Hong Kong and India as well. Despite picking a few wickets in the innings, the bowling all-rounder can contribute with the bat as well.

If Pakistan is seeking success in the Asia Cup 2018, Shadab Khan has to come good against their neighbours.

8. Faheem Ashraf:

Faheen Ashraf has been Pakistan’s go-to-player in the limited-overs of late. He is an able all-rounder who performs with both bat and ball. In the other game against India, Ashraf picked up Shikhar Dhawan’s wicket and would want to keep the momentum going against Afghanistan as well.

9. Mohammed Amir:

Mohammed Amir, the left-arm fast bowler, will be keen to put his brilliant performance against Afghanistan forward. He is also a regular wicket-taking bowler and can put pressure on the opposition from the word go.

10. Hasan Ali:

Pakistan’s fast bowler, Hasan Ali will be a definite inclusion for the game against Afghanistan. He is recently doing his best in the white-ball format. Ali will be a key player and is also a backbone for the team.

11. Usman Khan:

Usman Khan showed some zeal against Hong Kong and grabbed the Man of the Match award with his bowling figures. The selectors will surely take his as a part of the playing XI for the upcoming match against Afghanistan on Friday.