Babar Azam To Drop Shadab, Amir & Haris Rauf; Pakistan's Strongest XI For T20 World Cup 2024

Babar Azam To Drop Shadab, Amir & Haris Rauf; Pakistan's Strongest XI For T20 World Cup 2024

Babar Azam will lead Pakistan in T20 WC [X.com]

On Friday, Pakistan announced a robust 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States. Led by Babar Azam, the squad is an excellent amalgamation of experience and youth.

While the return of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim was a major highlight, the likes of Mohammad Haris, Hasan Ali and Usama Mir missed out on selection.

As the Men in Green have named their team, let's analyse and see what could be their probable playing XI for the tournament.

Pakistan's Probable XI For T20 World Cup 2024

Swashbuckling left-handed batter Saim Ayub will open the batting alongside Mohammad Rizwan, who has showcased remarkable consistency in T20Is.

Skipper Babar Azam will bat at number three where he has been absolutely magnificent in the shortest format.

Explosive batter Fakhar Zaman will play as Pakistan's spin-hitter at number four, followed by wicket-keeper Azam Khan and batting all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed, who will also play the finisher's role.

Spin bowling all-rounder Imad Wasim will be slotted at number seven, with Shaheen Afridi leading the pace bowling department alongside Naseem Shah and death-overs specialist Abbas Afridi.

As Pakistan have a rampant new-ball bowling duo of Shaheen and Naseem, they will likely prefer Abrar Ahmed's wrist spin instead of Mohammad Amir's pace. So, we reckon, initially, Amir, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan will be the big names to sit out.

Pakistan's Probable Playing XI

Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (C), Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed