Pakistan made three changes for the must-win ICC World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh today in Kolkata.
Opener Fakhar Zaman, who has recovered from a knee injury, has been included in the side in place of Imam-ul-Haq.
Meanwhile, Shadab Khan, who hit his head on the ground during the first over of the second innings in the match against South Africa, is replaced by fellow leg-spinner Usama Mir.
Usama also came in as a concussion substitute for Shadab in the match against South Africa.
The third change sees Salman Ali Agha replace fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz.
Pakistan's lineup for Bangladesh clash
Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf
Despite losing four games in a row during the ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals of the mega event.
As it is essential for Pakistan to win their remaining matches, in an ideal scenario, the Green Shirts require New Zealand to lose their remaining matches as they have eight points from six games. If the Black Caps lose their next three matches, they'd end the group stage with eight points, and Pakistan can qualify for the knockout stage with 10 points should they beat their next three opponents.
Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 matches
October 31 - vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4 - vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 - vs England in Kolkata
The day matches which will start at 10:00am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30pm (PST).
If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Kolkata.
If India qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Mumbai unless playing against Pakistan, in which case they will play in Kolkata.
Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.
Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan