Pakistan Predicted Playing XI vs India, Asian Games 2026 Final

Sahibzada Farhan & Saim Ayub (Source: AFP Photos)Pakistan will eye a gold medal when they face India in the Asian Games final on Saturday at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. The high-voltage India vs Pakistan match is scheduled to begin at 10 AM IST.Pakistan Vs India PreviewPakistan secured a hard-fought victory over Bangladesh in the rain-marred Asian Games 2026 semi-final, with vice-captain Abdul Samad making headlines with a quickfire 30 off 15 balls.India, on the other hand, cruised past Sri Lanka to book their place in the final. The Men in Blue, who are also the reigning T20 World Cup champions, are the strong favourites to win the Gold.Let’s take a look at how Pakistan can form a strong playing XI to upset the Indian contingent while the whole world watches.Pakistan Likely Playing XI vs India- Asian Games 2026 FinalOpeners And Top Order: Sahibzada Farhan (C), Maaz Sadaqat, Usman Khan (WK)Even though Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat failed to add much to the board against Bangladesh, Pakistan are likely to keep them as openers against India.Besides, Usman Khan, who made 15 off 7 balls, will bat at No. 3. He has been picked as Pakistan’s only designated wicket-keeper in the squad.Middle Order And All Rounders: Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad (VC), Arafat MinhasSaim Ayub, who majorly batted at No. 4 in the CPL 2026, will continue to bat at the same position, just like he did last time against Bangladesh. He will be followed by Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad, who helped Pakistan survive a defeat against Bangladesh with an unbeaten 22-ball 27 and an unbeaten 15-ball 30, respectively.Also Read: Saim Ayub’s CPL Century Takes Him Where No Pakistan Player Has Gone BeforeArafat Minhas, the spinner who began the Pakistan attack from one end against Bangladesh and picked up two wickets, will remain at No. 8. He can be an excellent batting option in the lower middle-order if required.Bowlers: Ali Raza, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan MoqimThis is a no-brainer: Pakistan will keep both Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim in their XI, given how conditions in Japan favour them. However, to help them, Ali Raza might play for Pakistan, replacing Mohammad Wasim Jr., who conceded 11 runs off his only over against Bangladesh.Raza had dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi three times in the past in the junior India-Pakistan face-offs. So, inclusion seems to happen, as India gave Sooryavanshi a chance to shine in the semi-final.Pakistan Predicted Playing XI vs India- Asian Games 2026 FinalSahibzada Farhan (C)Maaz SadaqatUsman Khan (WK)Saim AyubHasan NawazAbdul Samad (VC)Arafat MinhasAhmed DaniyalAli RazaAbrar AhmedSufyan MoqimAlso Read: How Many Times Can India And Pakistan Face Each Other In ODI World Cup 2027?