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Pakistan likely playing XI for T20 World Cup match against Canada

The match, scheduled for 7:30 pm (PST), promises a thrilling contest between bat and ball as both teams vie for a crucial win in their T20 World Cup campaign

Pakistan likely playing XI for T20 World Cup match against Canada PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan is gearing up for a crucial showdown against Canada in a must-win match on June 11 at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York. Following a disheartening defeat to India, Pakistan's situation is precarious, currently languishing near the bottom of Group A with two losses from two games.

The recent loss to India highlighted significant issues in Pakistan's batting lineup, despite a commendable effort from their bowlers who restricted India to just 119 runs.

 The middle-order's failure, particularly the performances of Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, has raised concerns.

With talented players like Saim Ayub waiting for an opportunity, Pakistan might consider making strategic changes to strengthen their batting order. It is likely that Saim Ayub will replace Shadab Khan in the playing XI, given Shadab's struggles with both bat and ball.

The pitches in New York have favored bowlers, with no team scoring more than 150 runs, the highest being 137. With clear skies forecasted, the pitch is expected to remain bowler-friendly.

Pakistan is expected to continue with four pacers on the challenging New York pitch. Although Imad Wasim returned from injury against India, he struggled with his running while batting. If Imad is unavailable, Pakistan might choose Abrar Ahmed as their sole specialist spinner.

The match, scheduled for 7:30 pm (PST), promises a thrilling contest between bat and ball as both teams vie for a crucial win in their T20 World Cup campaign.

Likely XI:

Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim/Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah