Pacer Hassan Ali has returned to the Pakistan XI for their opening encounter against the Netherlands on October 6. Left-handed batter Saud Shakeel has also made his World Cup debut.

Pakistan were put into bat first by the Netherlands in their curtain-raiser match. Babar Azam’s men have gone with three pacers and two spinning all-rounders as their bowling combination. Vice-captain Shadab Khan will partner Mohammad Nawaz in the spin department. Meanwhile, the pace-trio of Hassan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will make a formidable first bowling line-up. Hassan was added to the World Cup squad at the last minute after quick Naseem Shah was ruled out due to a shoulder injury.

In the batting department, opener Fakhar Zaman has retained his spot. Zaman has been struggling for form lately and only scored 65 runs at an average of 16.25 from five outings in the Asia Cup 2023.

Shakeel, who has been rewarded with a World Cup berth for his outstanding Test numbers, has replaced Salman Ali Agha in the middle order. Shakeel scored 75 runs off 53 deliveries in the first warm-up game against New Zealand.

Pakistan’s batting has looked good in their practice matches against new Zealand and Australia. Coming at No.4, Mohammed Rizwan notched up a fine century against New Zealand. Babar returned with 80 off 84 and an unbeaten 90 off 59 deliveries in their practice fixtures.

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