PAK vs BAN: Why is Imam ul Haq not playing today’s ODI World Cup 2023 match?

In the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, fans might have noticed that Imam ul Haq, a prominent opening batsman for Pakistan, was absent from the playing XI.

PAK vs BAN: Why is Imam ul Haq not playing today?

Instead, Fakhar Zaman was back as the opener, and Pakistan hoped that the latter would provide an explosive start with the bat.  A possible reason for Imam ul Haq’s absence could be a strategic decision made by the team management. Fakhar Zaman’s return as an opener could be a part of that strategy.

Pakistan openers have not been as aggresive at the top of the batting order. The team management has opted for Fakhar Zaman, considering his form and ability to provide an explosive start.

Babar Azam at toss: We would also like to bat first. There might be some swing in it early on because there is some moisture in it. Last match we were good in all three departments. There was some good energy. I am also waiting for a big innings, I will try to convert into a hundred. Three changes, Imam, Shadab and Nawaz out, Fakhar, Salman and Usama in.

Pakistan Playing 11

Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf

Bench: Imam-ul-Haq, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz

Bangladesh Playing 11

Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Bench: Nasum Ahmed , Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mahedi Hasan