Lisa Sthalekar names her Pakistan's T20I XI for T20 World Cup

Former Australian cricketer Lisa Sthalekar has revealed her picks for Pakistan's XI, gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Known for her astute cricket analysis, Sthalekar took to social media to share her lineup, shedding light on her strategic choices.

The batting order presented by Sthalekar reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent. Leading the charge at the top of the order is Babar Azam, followed by Saim Ayub and Usman Khan. Fakhar Zaman, occupies the crucial fourth position, bringing power and flair to the middle order.

Sthalekar's lineup emphasizes the importance of all-rounders in modern cricket, with Shadab Khan slotting in at number five. The wicketkeeping duties and the sixth batting position are entrusted to Mohammad Rizwan, who possesses the versatility to adapt to different match situations.

Flexibility in batting positions is a key feature of Sthalekar's selection, evident in her suggestion of Rizwan potentially moving up the order in case of an early dismissal of Babar Azam during the powerplay overs. Iftikhar Ahmed adds further depth to the batting lineup at number seven, providing stability in the lower middle order.

The bowling department shows a strong combination of spin and pace. Imad Wasim, known for his crafty left-arm spin, assumes the role of the primary spinner in the team, complemented by the seam-bowling power of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. The choice between Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf for the final bowling slot underscores the wealth of options available to Pakistan in the fast-bowling department.

Sthalekar's T20I XI for Pakistan:
Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir/ Haris Rauf