Strongest Pakistan Playing 11 for the ICC Champions Trophy

The defending champions have a lot to prove as they brace themselves to host the ICC Champions Trophy. Eight years ago, when the last edition of the marquee event transpired, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side registered a commanding victory over arch-rivals India to claim the title. Now, they have stepped up as the hosts, set to defend their title with a new captain in charge and a completely revamped bowling attack. The team opens the tournament with a clash against New Zealand on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Coming off convincing victories in the format, claimed on foreign soil, the team will be fancying their chances of qualifying for the playoffs in the marquee event.

Likely Pakistan Playing 11 for the ICC Champions Trophy

As a prelude to the all-important ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan hosted a tri-nation ODI series, inviting New Zealand and South Africa to their den. Though the series featured some impressive performances from Pakistan players, New Zealand emerged as the champions at the end of the four-match series. Irrespective of the result, there is a clear view of where the defending champions stand in the format as they set out on their title defense. Heading Group A, Pakistan will face India on February 23 in Dubai after opening the event against New Zealand. Their last group-stage fixture will be against Bangladesh on February 27.

Pakistan suffered an early blow to their Champions Trophy campaign when their star performer got injured. Saim Ayub, Pakistan's brightest prospect in the format at present, fractured his ankle while fielding in the Test against South Africa. Though initially hopeful for a timely return, the serious nature of the injury ruled the opener out of the tournament. Now, the team needs to fit either Saud Shakeel or former captain Babar Azam at the top to partner Fakhar Zaman. In the ODI tri-series, Azam held the position. While the resurgent Zaman impressed, Azam's form has become a concern for the management.

In the three matches that Pakistan played, including the final, Azam scored 10, 23, and 28, respectively. Collectively, the former skipper managed just 62 runs at an average of 20.66 and a strike rate of 81.57. Azam's form is a challenge for the hosts as they work on the best plan to tackle the absence of Saim Ayub. Another prospect for the position is Saud Shakeel, who batted in the middle order in the two matches he played during the series.

The England series marked Shakeel's comeback to the format after almost two years, with his last knock recorded in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The same applies to all-rounder Khushdil Shah, who last played the format in 2022 during the Netherlands tour. However, Shah did not make a major impact in the tri-series, and the case remained similar for Shakeel as well.

The batting responsibility, meanwhile, is anticipated to rest primarily on the trio of opener Fakhar Zaman, skipper Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Agha. Though Rizwan started meekly, he produced a splendid century, leading Pakistan alongside Agha in a mammoth chase of 353 against South Africa. Salman, moreover, made a strong case for consistency, scoring in the 40s in both matches apart from his century in the second ODI. With Salman, Pakistan also boasts a reliable spin option, an important element in their squad, which otherwise includes only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed.

The bowling department also needs to improve from its showing in the ODI tri-series. Though Shaheen Afridi picked up crucial wickets, leaking runs could cost Pakistan more than they would like in the ICC Champions Trophy. His primary partner, Naseem Shah, has faced a similar struggle, with his pace appearing less impactful. However, the return of Haris Rauf, expected to be in time for the ICC event, should be a positive boost for the side.

Predicted Pakistan Playing 11 for the ICC Champions Trophy

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed