Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for their important match against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan is coming off a tough loss to India in their last match, hence securing a win against Australia essential to rejuvenate their tournament prospects.

The team has been facing an additional challenge as several key players, including Abdullah Shafique, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Zaman Khan, were battling the viral fever. These players were notably absent from the optional training session held on Tuesday.

However, later most of the players, who were previously sick, were deemed fit after a thorough examination conducted by Dr. Saleem, the medical officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

With Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Australia’s clash due to knee injury, Pakistan is likely to stick with their opening combination of Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul Haq.

Agha Salman is still battling fever and is unlikely to be considered.

Following their loss to India, Pakistan is considering making a change to their under-performing spin attack. Shadab Khan's performance hasn't been up to mark, and Pakistan might opt to replace him with Usama Mir.

Pakistan's expected playing XI:

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-Ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi

Pakistan squad for World Cup:

Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr