Pakistan recently announced their squad for the New Zealand T20I series. This gave a hint as to the squad which might be picked for the 2024 T20 World Cup. It is a strong side and Pakistan will be expected to do well in the tournament. Here, we predict Pakistan’s strongest playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Openers: Mohammad Rizwan (WK) and Saim Ayub
Mohammad Rizwan‘s run accumulation will be necessary on the slow pitches in the West Indies. For his partner, Saim Ayub seems to be a good pick. However, the management must be patient with him. He can also offer something with the ball.
Middle-Order: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed
Babar Azam will be the fulcrum of the batting unit in Pakistan’s strongest playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Having got captaincy again, Babar will be desperate to do well. Fakhar Zaman at No.4 will be an important move. He must be able to take on the spinners. Iftikhar Ahmed will be the aggressive finisher for this side.
All-Rounders: Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim
Shadab Khan is a talented cricketer and he requires backing from the management. Pakistan must ensure that they make good use of his batting abilities. Imad Wasim has taken back his retirement. This is good news for Pakistan because he is the best spin-bowling all-rounder in the country. He must also take responsibility as a finisher.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf
It will be a splendid pace attack for Pakistan’s strongest playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pace is the strength of Pakistan. They must stick with this in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Only depending on the pitch and the opposition, Pakistan must change their XI so that they either bring in an extra spinner or an extra batter like Azam Khan.
