BAN vs PAK: Pakistan’s Playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025 Match Against Bangladesh

The excitement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is growing as the tournament returns after eight years, featuring the top eight teams. The ninth between Bangladesh and Pakistan match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on February 27, starting at 2:30 PM local time (IST).

Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh were eliminated from the tournament after losing their first two matches. Both teams are now aiming to secure at least one victory before concluding their campaign. The Pakistan team is led by star batter Mohammed Rizwan, who aims to guide his side in a strong fight against Bangladesh after their loss to India and New Zealand. Bangladesh is captained by Nazmul Hossain Shanto. This article will focus on Pakistan’s predicted playing XI against Bangladesh.

Pakistan's Predicted Playing XI

Imam-ul-Haq & Babar Azam (Openers) 

The 29-year-old left-handed batter Imam-ul-Haq replaced the injured Fakhar Zaman against India, but he didn't make much impact with his batting. Imam-ul-Haq has played 73 ODIs and scored 3148 runs with an average of 47.7, with nine centuries and 20 half-centuries. The star Babar Azam brings both stability and class with his batting. He started the innings against India well but he was dismissed for 23 runs by the star all-rounder Hardik Pandey. He scored 6,106 runs in 128 ODIs, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties, he an impressive average of 55. He played an important innings for Pakistan against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opening match, but against India, he didn't make much impact with his batting 

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Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (Top Order) 

Saud Shakeel has shown promise in his limited chances. He scored a much-needed 62 runs against India. He has played only 19 ODIs and impressed the selectors by scoring 408 runs with his amazing batting. He has four half-centuries, he adds stability to the top order, and can play long innings. 

The star wicketkeeper batter and captain of Pakistan Mohammad Rizwan is a reliable middle-order batter in the Pakistan batting lineup. He scored 46 runs against India and was dismissed by the all-rounder Axar Patel. He has scored 2,572 runs in 88 ODIs with an average of 42, with four centuries and 15 fifties. His excellent leadership skills and ability to handle pressure make him a key player.

Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir & Khushdil Shah (All-rounders)

The vice-captain and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha is the key player in the Pakistan squad, but he didn't make much impact with his bat against India, he managed to score only 19 runs in 24 balls. He has scored 976 runs in 35 ODIs, including one century and five fifties, while also taking 16 wickets, making him a valuable asset. The right-hand batter Tayyab Tahir is a powerful hitter but he scored only 1 run against New Zealand in the first match and scored only 4 runs against India. He played eight matches and scored 134 runs only.

The 30-year-old left-handed all-rounder Khushdil Shah is another aggressive finisher, he played excellent innings against New Zealand and India by scoring 69 and 38, and he was consistent with his batting in the lower middle order. He scored 328 runs in 15 ODIs at an average of 32. He can also chip in with the ball he took 4 wickets in 15 ODIs, adding depth to both departments. His ability to hit big shots in the final overs makes him a key player.

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Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah & Abrar Ahmed (Fast Bowlers)

The speed gun of Pakistan's bowling pace attack Shaheen Shah Afridi is a key player for Pakistan to take early wickets. He took the Indian skipper's wicket with a deadly yorker. He has 127 wickets in just 64 ODIs, with the ability to strike early and reverse swing later in the innings. Haris Rauf is known for his express pace and ability to bowl in death overs. With 85 wickets in 48 ODIs, he is one of Pakistan’s most reliable pacers. But he remained wicketless against India.

The young and talented Naseem Shah has played only 25 ODIs, but his excellent bowling skills make him a key player for Pakistan. He has picked up 47 wickets so far and continues to develop into a key fast bowler. His accuracy and speed will be crucial. He bowled economically against India, giving away only 37 runs in his 8-over spell.

The star mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed has been impressive with 15 wickets in just 9 ODI matches. In his 10-over spell against India, he gave away only 28 runs and took the wicket of star batter Gill. His variations can trouble batters, especially in the middle overs. Having a quality spinner like him could be a big advantage, even though Pakistan might opt for a pace-heavy attack.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI Against India

Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

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