Junaid Khan reveals his playing XI for Pakistan’s crucial T20 World Cup clash against India

Former Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to reveal his playing XI for Pakistan for the high-stakes T20 World Cup 2024 encounter against India. The match is set to take place today at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, and it promises to be a thriller given the storied rivalry between the two teams.

Junaid Khan has maintained his faith in Saim Ayub to open the batting alongside Mohammad Rizwan, just as he recommended for the match against the USA. Captain Babar Azam, who also opened in the previous game, is slated to bat at the crucial number three position in Junaid's line-up. 

Following Babar, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan are expected to add depth to the middle order. Junaid has opted for a mix of experience and form, aiming to ensure that Pakistan can post or chase a competitive total against their arch-rivals.

Imad Wasim, who was sidelined for the USA match due to fitness concerns, has been included in Junaid's XI following confirmation from head coach Gary Kirsten that he is match-fit. Junaid has excluded Azam Khan from his lineup, reflecting the young batter’s struggles in T20I cricket so far.

In the pace department, Junaid has gone with a formidable quartet comprising Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Amir. This selection highlights Pakistan’s strategy to leverage their pace attack, which has the potential to unsettle even the most accomplished batsmen in the Indian lineup.

Junaid Khan’s playing XI for Pakistan:

Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir.

It is worth noting that Pakistan heads into this match looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat in their T20 World Cup opener against the United States, which was decided in a tense super over on June 6. Conversely, India approaches the game with momentum, having secured a convincing win over Ireland in their opening fixture.

Historically, Pakistan and India have clashed seven times in T20 World Cups, with Pakistan managing just one victory, which came in the 2021 edition. The Green Shirts are keen to improve their record, and Junaid Khan’s selection reflects a balanced approach aimed at tackling the formidable Indian side.