• Source:JND
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Pakistan have announced their unchanged playing 11 for the much-awaited clash against India at Pallekel Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Saturday. Babar Azam-led side has backed their winning combination after crushing Nepal by 228 runs in Multan on Thursday's tournament opener match.

Skipper Babar (151) and Iftikhar Ahmed (109 not out) scored centuries to post a mammoth total of 342/6 against Nepal, who were playing their first-ever match in the tournament. On the other hand, opener Fakhar Zaman failed to put big runs on the board as he only scored 14 after a series of low scores in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.

However, he has retained his place in the playing 11 and will strive for a big score against India in Kandy.

Babar hopes that the middle order will also support the top three -- himself, Imam-ul-Haq and Zaman -- in the clash against India.

"The top order has been contributing well in recent times. The boys in the middle order are trying their best to chip in and hopefully they will be able to do it against India," he said in the pre-match press conference on Friday.

In the middle order, Salman Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Rizwan will look to support the top order in the high-octane clash.

Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz will be the two spin-bowling options for the side. Premier pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pace bowling attack with Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah also joining him in the task. Pakistan's pace trio will be the major factor in the strength of the two sides in the competition. 

On their preparations for the tournament, Babar said playing in Lanka Premier League (LPL) and facing Afghanistan recently in the country will benefit them to tackle India.

"We have been here since July. We have played Test matches, some league (LPL) matches, and then the ODIs (against Afghanistan). We are hoping that this will help us to do well against India tomorrow," he said.

When asked about pressure before the high-voltage India vs Pakistan match, the top order batter said the team is concentrated on playing on their strength and not taking any pressure.

"There is no extra pressure. Yes, the India vs Pakistan match is always one of high intensity, but we have experienced players, and we just need to concentrate on our strengths and do well," he added. 

Pakistan playing XI: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammed Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.