Pakistan likely playing XI for World Cup clash against New Zealand

Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for a crucial match against New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which is set to take place in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The outcome of this match holds immense significance for Pakistan, as they must secure a victory to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

Anticipating rain and overcast conditions during parts of the game, the team management is contemplating the inclusion of fast-bowler Hassan Ali in the playing XI, potentially replacing Usama Mir.

The final call on this change will be made after a thorough assessment of the pitch and weather conditions on the morning of the match.

Meanwhile, opener Imam ul Haq was absent from the Friday training session due to discomfort in his neck. Consequently, he will remain on the sidelines, with Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique continuing as the designated openers for Pakistan.

On another front, Shadab Khan, who was sidelined from the Bangladesh match due to a concussion sustained in the game against South Africa, has returned to the training session. However, his fitness for selection is yet to be confirmed by the medical panel. The panel will conduct another assessment of Shadab Khan's condition tomorrow morning, determining whether he will be available for the crucial encounter.

Pakistan's expected playing XI:

Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Hassan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf

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