New Zealand vs Pakistan: Why is Imam ul Haq not playing today’s 2023 World Cup Match?

In the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup match today between New Zealand and Pakistan, one noticeable absence from Pakistan’s batting order is Imam ul Haq.

Why is Imam ul Haq not playing today’s 2023 World Cup Match?

The opening batsman has faced challenges in providing explosive starts, and Fakhar Zaman has been favored over him for this crucial encounter. Let’s explore the reasons behind Imam ul Haq’s absence from today’s World Cup match.

Imam ul Haq, a recognized opening batsman for Pakistan, has encountered difficulties in delivering the explosive starts that are often essential in One Day Internationals (ODIs), particularly in the powerplay overs. His recent performances may have prompted the team management to seek a more aggressive opening partnership.

Fakhar Zaman, a dynamic left-handed batsman, is preferred over Imam ul Haq for today’s match. Fakhar is known for his aggressive style of play and the ability to capitalize on fielding restrictions during the initial overs. The team’s decision to include Fakhar Zaman likely aims to inject more aggressiveness into the batting lineup and set a positive tone for the innings.

Team selections often depend on the specific strategy and the match situation. Pakistan’s decision to go with Fakhar Zaman suggests their intent to seize the initiative and put New Zealand under early pressure. Fakhar’s attacking approach aligns with this strategy, making him the preferred choice.

PAK Playing XI

Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf