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Pakistan will be aiming to secure a place in the gold-medal match of the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket competition when they face Bangladesh in the first semi-final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on October 1. The final is scheduled for October 3, and if Pakistan progress, they are likely to retain a largely unchanged combination for the title clash.
The Pakistan squad is being led by Sahibzada Farhan, with Abdul Samad as vice-captain and Usman Khan as the designated wicketkeeper. The squad also contains several players with recent franchise and international experience, including Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Sufyan Moqim and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.
Pakistan’s quarter-final against Hong Kong was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain, allowing them to advance on the basis of their superior ICC ranking. Consequently, the semi-final against Bangladesh was their first competitive match of the tournament, where they chased down the total successfully in a game that was reduced to 13-overs-a-side due to rain.
Here is Pakistan’s Predicted Playing XI for Asian Games 2026:
Sahibzada Farhan is expected to open the innings and lead Pakistan in the final. The right-hander has been entrusted with captaincy for the Asian Games and will have an important role in setting the tone at the top. His aggressive batting can give Pakistan momentum during the powerplay while his leadership will be tested in a potential gold-medal clash.
Maaz Sadaqat could continue as Farhan’s opening partner. The left-hander provides variety at the top and can attack spin as well as pace. His ability to score quickly would allow Pakistan to make the most of the field restrictions.
Usman Khan is likely to occupy the No. 3 position while continuing as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper. His experience in franchise T20 cricket gives the batting lineup another aggressive option. He can also provide stability if Pakistan lose an early wicket.
Saim Ayub is expected to retain his place in the middle order. The left-handed all-rounder can change the complexion of an innings with attacking strokeplay and also offers a useful bowling option. His versatility could make him particularly valuable in a final where Pakistan may need contributions in multiple departments.
Hasan Nawaz could bat at No. 5 and provide another powerful middle-order option. His ability to clear the boundary makes him a potential finisher, although Pakistan will also expect him to build partnerships if early wickets fall.
Vice-captain Abdul Samad is likely to remain in the XI as one of Pakistan’s principal finishing options. His clean striking makes him particularly dangerous during the final overs. His presence also gives Farhan another experienced batter to turn to in a pressure situation.
Arafat Minhas could provide the balance between Pakistan’s batting and bowling departments. The all-rounder can contribute useful runs down the order while also giving the captain a left-arm bowling option. On the slow surfaces expected in Nisshin, his role could become especially important.
Mohammad Wasim Jr is expected to lead the pace attack. He replaced Mohammad Salman Mirza in the Asian Games squad after Salman suffered a thumb fracture, and the PCB subsequently included Wasim among the final 15 players.
His ability to generate pace and bowl effective variations at the death could make him one of Pakistan’s key bowling options.
Abrar Ahmed could be Pakistan’s principal attacking spinner. His variations make him a natural wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Given the slower conditions in Nisshin, Pakistan could rely heavily on his ability to break partnerships and restrict scoring.
Sufyan Moqim is another specialist spinner who could play a crucial role. His inclusion alongside Abrar would give Pakistan a strong spin combination and allow Farhan to attack from both ends during the middle overs.
Ali Raza could complete the bowling attack. The young pacer provides another seam option alongside Mohammad Wasim Jr and would allow Pakistan to maintain a balanced attack without compromising their batting depth.
Sahibzada Farhan (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Usman Khan (wk), Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad (vc), Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim, Ali Raza
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