Asia Cup 2018 - Super Four, Match 3 - India vs Pakistan: Pakistan Predicted XI

Pakistan is all set to meet India in their 2nd match of the Super fours of Asia Cup 2018 in Dubai on Sunday. They will be a confident side especially after narrowly defeating Afghanistan in their first match in Abu Dhabi. However, against India, it will be a different ball game altogether.

Sarfraz Ahmed-led side will have to play out of their skin to register their first victory against India in the Asia Cup 2018. The Men in Blue will be high on confidence after winning all the three games they have played in the tournament so far.

With the match to start in a few hours time, let us have a look at the predicted XI for Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman

The southpaw has been short of runs in Asia Cup 2018 so far. However, Fakhar Zaman is one batsman who has been consistent for Pakistan, during their series against Zimbabwe very recently. He was also the thorn in the flesh for India back in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. However, Fakhar has to return among runs as the tournament reaches its business end.

Imam-ul-Haq

Imam-ul-Haq played a good knock against Afghanistan and built the platform for Pakistan’s run chase. He has been a prolific run-scorer at the top of the order.

However, he hasn’t scored runs in a brisk pace which has been his drawback in his career so far. In the modern generation, Imam must learn to be a more proactive player and score runs a bit quickly.

Babar Azam

He is one of the most stylish batsmen of the modern generation and is one of the pillars for Pakistan team. He batted quite superbly in the all-important Super four clash against Afghanistan.

Babar also batted pretty well during Pakistan’s group match against India. However, he couldn’t convert his start into a big one. He would look to get a big one in their Super four game against India in Asia Cup 2018.

Shoaib Malik

The veteran cricketer showed why Pakistan has persisted with him for so long. In a crunch situation against Afghanistan, it was Malik who ensured Pakistan won from a tricky situation.

He scored a match-winning 51 which gave Pakistan their maiden victory of the Super Four. He will look to continue his good run of form against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2018.

Sarfraz Ahmed

The Pakistan skipper should push himself up the batting-order and look to get some good runs under his belt against India. He has looked in good touch in the tournament so far.

However, the conversion rate has been pretty poor, to say the least. He has led his boys well. But he will look to get among some runs in the all-important Super four match against India.

Faheem Ashraf

An all-rounder is a good option for Pakistan to have. Faheen Ashraf hasn’t had much to do in Asia Cup 2018 and has not bee able to prove his worth.

However, there is no doubt about the fact that in a big game against India, Faheem will surely want to make his impression if he does get the chance in the playing XI.

Asif Ali

He is a powerful striker of the ball and can hit the ball a long, long way. Asif Ali has been a great feature in the Pakistan team and can clear the ropes quite easily. He is also an outstanding bowler and lends a good balance to the Pakistan team.

Shadab Khan

The leg-spinner is one of the finest bowlers in the Pakistan team at the moment and can take wickets on a consistent basis. He can turn the ball both ways and has tormented many batting line-ups.

However, against a team like India, he has given his best and put up a good performance.

Hasan Ali

Hasan Ali has performed quite admirably for Pakistan in the recent past. He was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy and was one of the primary reasons behind Pakistan lifting the Champions Trophy title for the very first time.

Even in the Asia Cup 2018, Hasan Ali has been among the wickets and will look to get some more in the match against India.

Usman Khan

The left-arm fast bowler has been among the wickets in the tournament so far and has looked an excellent inclusion for Pakistan. He is a very reliable bowler and can bowl in both the opening and the death overs.

Shaheen Afridi 

Mohammad Amir hasn’t been at his best of forms in the tournament so far. Hence, Shaheen Afridi was given his maiden ODI cap against Afghanistan.

After a good performance, he is expected to retain his place. He is a promising youngster and will look to make his mark in the first match he will play against the arch-rivals.