The Pakistani cricket team has finalized its likely players for their opening match against the United States in the T20 World Cup, set to take place in Dallas on Thursday. According to ESPNCricInfo, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are set to be the opening strikers.
With all-rounder Imad Wasim sidelined due to injury, Shadab Khan will step in to replace him, while Abrar Ahmed will provide additional spin bowling support. Batter and wicketkeeper Azam Khan is also expected to be in the playing XI against the co-hosts.
The potential line-up also includes key bowlers Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Amir, who will bolster Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Also Read: Babar Azam Encouraged to Handle Pressure by Learning from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
### Potential Squad of Pakistan Against the US
1. Mohammad Rizwan
2. Babar Azam (c)
3. Usman Khan
4. Fakhar Zaman
5. Azam Khan
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Shadab Khan
8. Shaheen Afridi
9. Haris Rauf
10. Mohammad Amir
11. Abrar Ahmed
Statements from Babar Azam
Ahead of the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his optimism and confidence in his team. He was quoted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a press release, stating:
“I, like all my teammates, am extremely confident going into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. It is time for the big one and I know each and every member of the side is anxiously waiting to start so that they can play their part and contribute to a strong and successful campaign.”
Azam emphasized the team’s commitment and preparation:
“We have and we will continue to work hard, try to give our absolute best each time we step onto the field and hope our preparations and commitments will support us in this journey.”
Acknowledging the competitive nature of the tournament, he added:
“All 20 teams are here believing they can win the tournament. As such, it is going to be an exciting but extremely challenging and testing tournament, and that’s the beauty of world championships.”
Babar also highlighted the strategic approach the team will take:
“We will follow the horses-for-courses policy in team selections as the conditions in the USA will be new and a couple of opponents we have not played before. In modern-day cricket, the concept and importance of floating players has become more critical than ever before and our players are aware of this as well as their roles and responsibilities.”
With a confident outlook and a well-prepared squad, Pakistan is gearing up to make a strong start in their T20 World Cup campaign.
