Two players who featured in the group-stage loss to India by seven wickets at the Dubai International Stadium six days ago are likely to be dropped from the lineup.

For this high-stakes encounter, the Pakistan team management has shortlisted 12 players, but the inclusion of Khushdil Shah — who replaced Faheem Ashraf in the UAE match — is considered highly unlikely.

According to Geo News, aggressive middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz and left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem are expected to miss out on selection for the playing XI.

Pace to unsettle Indian batters

Head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha have reportedly devised a strategy to counter India’s batting strength with pace bowling rather than spin.

According to sources, the pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will be supported by Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub in the spin department.

Saim Ayub to bat in middle order

Fakhar Zaman is set to open the innings alongside Sahibzada Farhan, while Saim Ayub, who has struggled with form, may be pushed down to bat at number four or five.

The national team is expected to take the field with two fast bowlers and two specialist spinners in their attack.

As per sources, the probable XI for today’s match against India could be: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Naqvi meets players

A day before the match, the Pakistan team held an extensive meeting at their hotel to strategise, while both sides also participated in practice sessions at the ICC Academy.

In addition, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, met with the players ahead of the high-pressure fixture.

Speaking to the media, Chairman Naqvi said, “I visited the team purely to encourage the players. It was a very positive and constructive meeting with both the players and the management.”