Pakistan have named an unchanged playing eleven for the most-awaited Asia Cup 2023 clash against arch-rivals India, scheduled to be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The same playing eleven from Pakistan, the top-ranked ODI team, had thrashed newcomers Nepal by 238 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium in their campaign opener of the continental tournament.
Recently, the Green Brigade sealed the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings after registering a 3-0 series sweep over Afghanistan in Sri Lanka.
“We have been here since July. We have played Test matches, some league (LPL) matches and then the ODIs (against Afghanistan). We are hoping that this will help us to do well against India tomorrow,” said Azam in the pre-match press conference on Friday.
“The top order has been contributing well in recent times. The boys in the middle order are trying their best to chip in and hopefully, they will be able to do it against India,” added Azam.
Talking on the pressure of facing India, Babar said: “There is no extra pressure. Yes, the India versus Pakistan match is always one of high intensity. But we have experienced players and we just need to concentrate on our strengths and do well.”
Pakistan Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf