Pakistan reveal 12-man squad for 20-20 World Cup opener against India

India and Pakistan are set to cross swords on October 24 in their 20-20 World Cup opener. Ahead of the crucial encounter, Pakistan have revealed their 12-man squad for the game. Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik and Haider Ali, who were not named in the original squad, have made it to the top 12. Pakistan have added three specialist pacers - Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and two spinners - Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan to the top 12. Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are also very capable with the ball in hand.

This will be Babar Azam’s first appearance in the showpiece event as Pakistan skipper and he would like to get Pakistan off to a winning start and end their losing streak against India in world events. The Men in Green have played 12 games against their arch-rivals in 50-over and 20-over World Cups but are yet to taste victory. 

Pakistan announced 12-man squad for India match on Sunday in T20 World Cup 2021:

Babar Azam (C), Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Hafeez, Malik, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen, Haris Rauf

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 23, 2021

Pakistan come into the 20-20 World Cup with not much game time behind them. They had a few matches scheduled against New Zealand and England but the series got cancelled after the visitors withdrew from the tour citing security issues. The team has just a few net sessions and a couple of warm-up games under their belt heading into the marquee clash. 

Meanwhile, Indian players are in full flow having played in the IPL in UAE. Also, the team has great momentum by their side having beaten England and Australia in the warm-up games. 

Pakistan 12-man squad for India clash – Babar Azam (C), Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Hafeez, Malik, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen, Haris Rauf