Asia Cup 2018: Analyzing all the squads ahead of the tournament

Pakistan

Pakistan is also one of the favourites to win this tournament considering their recent form in International Cricket.

The openers in the squad are Fakhar Zaman, who is fresh of an ODI Double Hundred and is in brilliant form, Imam-ul-Haq, who was also in good form in Zimbabwe tour. Shan Masood will act as a backup opener who is yet to make his debut in limited overs cricket.

The middle order consists of Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, and Asif Ali, all of whom have been in great form recently and can be a threat to any team. Meanwhile, Harris Sohail has also returned back to the squad after recovering from illness and will add furthermore competition. Sarfaraz Ahmed, captain and wk of the team is also in decent form and will further strengthen the middle order.

The squad consists of two all-rounders Faheem Ashraf, seam bowling all-rounder, and Muhammad Nawaz, an option of left-arm spin. Both of them have had decent PSL and tour of Zimbabwe and will be looking to make most of this opportunity.

Shadab Khan is the lone spinner in the squad who has been great since his debut. Pakistan has strongest fast bowling attack in the tournament with Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan having a decent amount of experience and, Usman Khan Shinwari and Shaheen Afridi are the young guns of the team who have been lethal some of the times and also add variety to their bowling attack.

Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed(c & wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi/Junaid Khan.