On the back of two losses, Pakistan would be out to find its mojo when they take on Afghanistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 23. The Green Shirts started well but back-to-back defeats at the hands of India and then Australia have set them back big time. Pakistan are still in contention for a place in the semifinals but they have to play some really good cricket from here on. Next up, they take on Afghanistan who pulled off a shock victory over England in the tournament. Although they too lost their last match, Pakistan would not underestimate the threat Afghanistan can produce. ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table Updated.

The Babar Azam-led side have failed to perform clinically as a unit thus far in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The much-famed bowling attack has not yet clicked yet with a dearth of wickets in the powerplay. Shaheen Afridi's form has been a concern with the ace paceman showing signs of his old self, with a fifer against Australia. Also, captain Babar Azam is yet to hit his stride.  Pakistan play Afghanistan in Chennai and the track will assist spinners. Expect both sides to have spin-heavy bowling attacks in their arsenal.

Top-order: Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq are likely to continue opening the innings. Shafique and Haq put on a good partnership against Australia and although both departed after scoring half-centuries and could not continue which ultimately led to Pakistan's defeat, expect them to get things underway with bat again on October 23. The skipper will walk out next and he will have his task cut out against Afghanistan's quality spin attack.Can Pakistan Qualify for Semi-Final? What are PAK's Semis Chances in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023? What’s Their NRR and Current Position on Points Table?

Middle-Order: Mohammad Rizwan has formed the crux of the middle order of this Pakistan team. He has been among the highest run-getters in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and once again, his performance on a spin-friendly track would have a say on how Pakistan fare against Afghanistan. He would be followed by Saud Shakeel, who is also a very good player of spin.

Lower Order & Bowlers: Shadab Khan is expected to return to the team after being left out against Pakistan. Apart from his leg-spin bowling, he also is good with the bat and it had come in handy lower down the order. Pakistan are likely to play three spinners in Chennai with Usama Mir and Mohammad Nawaz alongside Shadab Khan. That would mean that there's room for only two pacers--Shaheen Afridi and out of Hassan Ali and Haris Rauf.

Pakistan Likely XI vs Afghanistan in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (c), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Hassan Ali/Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2023 12:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).