Pakistan is gearing up for their second group stage match of ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka, scheduled for Tuesday in Hyderabad.

The Men in Green registered an 81-run victory over the Netherlands in their World Cup opener on Tuesday.

Pakistan are considering replacing out-of-form Fakhar Zaman with Abdullah Shafique to their line-up for Tuesday’s match, despite the left-handed opener getting support for team director, Mickey Arthur.

“I am not worried about his form, he is a good player and is just one innings away from a big score,” Pakistan’s team director, Mickey Arthur told AFP on Sunday.

Saud Shakeel will be determined to carry forward his excellent form, as evidenced by his impressive score of 68 off 52 deliveries against the Netherlands.

Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batsman, will take the number four spot in the batting order as per usual. Iftikhar Ahmed, who couldn’t do well against the Netherlands, will be looking to contribute significantly to the team both with the bat and ball against Sri Lanka.

Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan will also look forward to performing best to their all-rounder capacity. The final three slots in the lineup will consist of fast bowlers, including Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Hassan Ali.

Pakistan’s expected playing XI:

Abdullah Shafique, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Hassan Ali, 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