Pakistan have two ODI series as well as the Asia Cup to iron out their unanswered questions before their latest challenge for the title. To pick a well-balanced squad 15-man squad, the selectors will need an extra top-order batter, a spare quick-bowler, a middle-order bat/all-rounder and a reserve wicketkeeper.

While there are some pretty much iron-cast names as with all sides – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf – spots are definitely still up for grabs for both the playing group and starting XI. Given some previously established players have suffered drops in form in ODI cricket over the past year, several youngsters could force their way into consideration.

The certainties

As captain and vice-captain, Babar and Shadab are the first names inked onto the team sheet. Shadab fills one of the all-rounder spots along with, in all likelihood, Mohammad Nawaz. No spinner has played more ODI matches or taken more wickets for Pakistan since the beginning of 2022 than Nawaz, who also has the best average and economy rate within those parameters.

It is also fair to say that, barring any significant further loss of form, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will be on the plane as the opening duo.

Fakhar has faced questions over the last 12 months as his form has failed to reach the heights of his early career, but an eighth ODI century in January against New Zealand has done enough to buy him more time to regain his rhythm. His importance to Pakistan’s 50-over side should not be underestimated.

Imam, on the other hand, has the fourth-highest average (45.66) of all openers who have scored over 500 runs since 2020. Another lock. Rizwan will also be in the squad as first-choice keeper, batting most likely at No.4.

Moving onto the quicks, Shaheen and Naseem make up the backbone of the pace bowling department, with Haris completing the trio.

Those certainties ticked off, that leaves six spots left in the squad.

Batters

There are two spots for specialist batters left in the squad – unless the selectors opt to prioritise bowling depth and pick another all-rounder or extra quick. Nevertheless, they will most likely want to include a backup option for the top order. The two obvious candidates for this role are Shan Masood and Abdullah Shaffique.

Shaffique has only played one ODI so far in his young career, but his potential in limited-overs formats is high. He scored 268 runs at a strike rate of 144 in this year’s PSL, but made two ducks when given an international opportunity in the recent T20I series against Afghanistan.

He has also only played five List A games in his career so far, with a top score of 27. With all that in mind, he doesn’t look to have done enough to elevate himself above Masood.

While Masood should have significantly better ODI numbers than he does, he has fallen victim to some unfortunate selection choices. It is also undeniable that he has underperformed when given a chance. However, a List A average of 56.46 and 14 hundreds make him the best choice currently to fill one of the extra batting spots in the squad.

As for the other place, the choice here is between Haris Sohail and Khushdil Shah. Haris is currently ahead of Khushdil in the selection race. Khushdil has not played an ODI since last year and was not included in the squad to face New Zealand later this month either.

Haris will travel to New Zealand with chief selector Haroon Rasheed’s backing. In a recent press conference, Rasheed said: “Haris Sohail can prove good in Asian conditions. It will support the middle-order if he remains in form and fit.”

While Haris looks the likelies option, an outside bet will be Tayyab Tahir, the right-handed middle-order bat who is a reserve in the ODI squad for New Zealand and is in the middle of a steep rise in international ascendency. He averages 43.95 in List A cricket with three hundreds to his name and 15 half-centuries in 49 matches.

All-rounders

At least one remaining spot will go to an additional all-rounder. There will also have to be a backup keeping option selected.

Salman Agha is the premier choice here. The pitches played on during the World Cup – wherever Pakistan end up playing their matches – will demand a plethora of spin options. Salman will complete a varied spin attack along with Shadab and Nawaz, giving plenty of angles and variations to work with between them.

Usama Mir is another contender to bolster the spin ranks. Although not regarded as an all-rounder, Mir recently hit 34 runs in an over in the Ghani Ramzan Tourney. He only has three ODI caps to his name but impressed on Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand earlier this year, picking up Kane Williamson as his first international wicket.

Similarly, Abrar Ahmed has not played an ODI yet, but he has been named as a reserve for the ODI tour of New Zealand.

There is also Imad Wasim, who averages over 40 in ODI cricket, striking at 110, and has an economy rate of less than five. However, he has not played an ODI since 2020 and is seemingly not on the selector’s radar. Iftikhar Ahmed has had a solid winter in franchise cricket, but his record in ODI cricket is questionable: he has played 10 matches with a high score of 32 not out.

The decision is more straightforward over who will take up the gloves should Rizwan be unable. Mohammad Haris is the likeliest candidate to fill this role. Given his struggles in the recent T20I series in the UAE, Azam Khan doesn’t look likely to make the jump into ODI cricket by the time the selector’s meeting rolls around.

Fast bowlers

The final spot in the squad – and maybe one extra depending on balance – will be occupied by a fast bowler. Here, Pakistan have a plethora to choose from. Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Hasnain and potentially one of Ihsanullah and Abbas Afridi will all vie for the spot.

In a blow to his chances of selection, Hasnain was dropped from the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. A first ODI call-up for Ihsanullah indicates he is probably ahead of Hasnain in the selection race, with Wasim Jr currently in the box seat for the spot.

Predicted Pakistan 2023 World Cup squad:

1. Imam-ul-Haq
2. Abdullah Shaffique
3. Shan Masood
4. Babar Azam (c)
5. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
6. Mohammad Haris (wk)
7. Salman Agha
8. Haris Sohail
9. Shadab Khan (vc)
10. Mohammad Nawaz
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi
12. Naseem Shah
13. Haris Rauf
14. Mohammad Wasim Jr
15. Ihsanullah