Pakistan announce 12-man squad for 20-20 World Cup opener against India

Pakistan have announced the 12-man squad for their 20-20 World Cup opener against India. Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali and Shoaib Malik, who were not part of the original squad but were later included in the modified squad, have made it to the top 12. Pakistan have named three pacers - Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf in the 12, while Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim are the two specialist spinners. Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are also capable of turning their arm over.

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Babar Azam, who is leading Pakistan in a world event for the first time, have a mammoth task of ending Pakistan’s 12-match losing streak against India in world events. The team has not played a lot of cricket in the build-up to the showpiece event after New Zealand and England withdrew from the Pakistan tours. The Men in Green will go in the match with just a few net sessions and a couple of warm-up games under their belt.

Pakistan announced 12-man squad for India match on Sunday in T20 World Cup 2021:

Babar Azam (C), Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Hafeez, Malik, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen, Haris Rauf

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 23, 2021

Indian players, on the other hand, have been in the UAE for over a month due to IPL. The team showed ruthless form in the warm-ups and defeated England and Australia comprehensively.

An India-Pakistan game is a treat for the fans and they’ll be expecting a mouth-watering encounter. The two teams last played in the 50-over World Cup in 2019 where India picked up an easy win.

Pakistan 12-man squad for India clash - Babar Azam (C), Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Hafeez, Malik, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen, Haris Rauf