As Pakistan gears up for a high-stakes Asia Cup encounter against their arch-rivals, India, all eyes are on their likely playing XI. The match is scheduled for Saturday in Kandy, and the Men in Green are entering the contest on the back of a commanding 238-run victory over Nepal in their Asia Cup opener.

Having tasted success in their first match, Pakistan is unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination, unless necessitated by last-minute adjustments due to weather or ground conditions. Rain-curtailed games are also a possibility.

Despite Fakhar Zaman’s recent struggles with form, Pakistan is expected to retain their regular opening batsmen. Skipper Babar Azam, fresh off an impressive 151 against Nepal, is determined to maintain his excellent form. Mohammad Rizwan will occupy the number four spot in the batting order.

There’s a chance that Pakistan might consider replacing Agha Salman with Saud Shakeel, given Salman’s batting performance in the previous match. The inclusion of a left-handed batsman like Shakeel in the middle-order could be a strategic move to counter India’s left-arm spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. However, Babar Azam is known for his trust in his players, so Agha Salman is likely to retain his place.

After his maiden ODI century against Nepal, Iftikhar Ahmed will be eager to continue making significant contributions to Pakistan’s strong finishes in ODIs.

Shadab Khan, who achieved his best ODI bowling figures in the match against Nepal, is eager to build upon that success. Given the expected overcast weather with the possibility of rain, Pakistan might contemplate the addition of an extra fast bowler, with Faheem Ashraf potentially replacing Mohammad Nawaz.

The final three slots in the lineup will feature the dynamic fast-bowling trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, renowned for their fiery pace and ability to unsettle batters. Despite an injury scare in the Nepal game, Shaheen is fit to take the field against India on Saturday.

Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf/Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf