Pakistan likely playing XI for T20 World Cup match against India

Pakistan and India will clash in an exciting T20 World Cup 2024 match at Nassau County International Stadium on Sunday, June 9, starting at 7:30 PM (PST). India enters the game with a win over Ireland, while Pakistan seeks redemption after a Super Over loss to the United States.

In a boost for Pakistan, Imad Wasim, who missed the previous match against the USA due to injury, has been deemed fit and ready for the showdown against India, as confirmed by head coach Gary Kirsten during the pre-match press briefing on Saturday.

Imad's return to the lineup is expected to be at the expense of Azam Khan, whose struggles at the crease, including three ducks in his last six T20I appearances, have led to a loss of confidence prompting the team management to opt for a change.

Further alterations to the Pakistan squad might be contingent upon the prevailing pitch and weather conditions at Nassau County International Stadium.

With a 50 percent chance of rain forecasted in New York on Sunday, and the possibility of overcast skies, Pakistan may opt for a formidable four-man pace attack comprising Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, and Haris Rauf. However, if the pitch favors spin, Abrar Ahmed could be drafted into the lineup in place of one of the pacers.

Gary Kirsten emphasized that the final selection of the playing XI will hinge upon a thorough assessment of the pitch conditions on match day, indicating a willingness to adapt the team strategy accordingly.

“We are looking at the fitness of a couple of players so the playing XI has not been decided yet. The players know about [the game of] one another, we will have to play our best game according to the conditions,” Kirsten said.

Likely lineup

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