Pakistan Playing 11 vs Nepal

Pakistan vs Nepal remains a rare international cricket matchup, but the teams’ first ODI meeting created a memorable start to the rivalry. Pakistan dominated Nepal by 238 runs in the opening match of the 2023 Asia Cup in Multan, with Babar Azam scoring 151 and Iftikhar Ahmed making an unbeaten 109. A future Pakistan playing 11 vs Nepal would still start as the stronger side on paper, particularly because of Pakistan’s depth in fast bowling and top-order batting. Nepal, however, have continued to improve and now possess experienced players such as Rohit Paudel, Sandeep Lamichhane and Karan KC. The predicted XIs below are projections rather than officially announced lineups and should be updated once the toss and final squads are confirmed.

Predicted Pakistan Playing 11 vs Nepal

Pakistan’s exact XI would depend on whether the match is an ODI or T20I. Because the only previous Pakistan-Nepal international was an ODI and the 2023 Asia Cup meeting is central to this matchup, the following combination is built primarily around a 50-over contest.

Shaheen Afridi was Pakistan’s ODI captain in the squad announced for the Australia series in May 2026, while Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah were among the senior players recalled. Mohammad Rizwan was not part of that particular squad, so his place in this predicted XI assumes availability for a future Pakistan-Nepal fixture.

Pakistan can adjust the XI depending on conditions. A dry surface may encourage them to play both Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim, while a faster pitch could bring another seam-bowling all-rounder into contention.

Predicted Nepal Playing 11 vs Pakistan

Nepal have a much more settled core than they did when they first faced Pakistan in 2023.

Nepal made an important leadership change in August 2026 when Sandeep Lamichhane was appointed ODI captain in place of Rohit Paudel. Lamichhane had 154 wickets from 77 ODIs at the time and had previously captained Nepal in 14 ODIs. Rohit remains one of the team’s most important batters.

Pakistan vs Nepal Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and Nepal have played only one official ODI against each other, with Pakistan winning by 238 runs. They have not yet met in an official men’s T20I.

The limited head-to-head record means predictions should rely more on current form, squad strength and conditions than historical numbers.

Pakistan vs Nepal Asia Cup 2023 Match in Multan

Pakistan and Nepal met for the first time in international cricket in the opening match of the 2023 Asia Cup at Multan Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan entered the match as the No. 1-ranked ODI team and were expected to dominate, but Nepal made an encouraging start with the ball.

Pakistan slipped to 25/2 after losing Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq.

Babar Azam then rebuilt the innings.

He initially played with control before accelerating dramatically during the final 10 overs. Babar scored 151 from 131 balls, hitting 14 fours and four sixes.

Iftikhar Ahmed provided even more aggression from the other end.

He smashed an unbeaten 109 from 71 balls, his first ODI century.

Babar and Iftikhar added 214 runs from only 131 deliveries for the fifth wicket, which became Pakistan’s highest fifth-wicket partnership in ODI cricket at the time. Pakistan finished on 342/6.

Nepal’s chase never developed.

Pakistan’s fast bowlers struck early, and Nepal were bowled out for 104.

Shadab Khan took four wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were among the other successful bowlers.

Pakistan won by 238 runs, giving them a dominant start to the Asia Cup.

Babar Azam – Pakistan’s Main Batting Threat

Babar Azam has already set the standard in this matchup.

His 151 in Multan is comfortably the highest individual score in Pakistan vs Nepal international cricket.

The innings also became the second-highest individual score in Asia Cup history at the time and helped Babar reach his 19th ODI century faster than any batter had previously done.

Against Nepal, Babar’s strongest advantage is his ability to control spin without taking unnecessary risks.

Nepal often rely heavily on Sandeep Lamichhane and other slow bowlers through the middle overs. Babar’s technique allows him to rotate strike against them before attacking when the field opens.

For fantasy cricket, he remains one of the safest batting selections if included in Pakistan’s XI.

Mohammad Rizwan – Middle-Order and Wicketkeeping Value

Mohammad Rizwan gives Pakistan stability in the middle order and adds wicketkeeping points in fantasy formats.

He played in Pakistan’s XI against Nepal during the 2023 Asia Cup, although Babar and Iftikhar dominated the scoring on that occasion.

Rizwan is especially valuable in a chase because he can control the required rate before accelerating late.

Against Nepal’s spinners, his use of sweeps and quick running between the wickets could make him one of the more difficult Pakistan batters to contain.

His current selection should still be checked because Pakistan’s ODI squad changed significantly during 2026.

Shaheen Shah Afridi – New-Ball Danger

Shaheen Afridi is likely to be Pakistan’s biggest threat during Nepal’s first 10 overs.

His left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball back into right-handed batters create difficult matchups for Aasif Sheikh and Rohit Paudel.

Shaheen played in the 2023 Asia Cup match and was part of a three-man pace attack with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.

By 2026, he had also taken over Pakistan’s ODI captaincy.

If conditions provide early movement, Shaheen becomes one of the strongest fantasy captain or vice-captain bowling options because he can take multiple wickets before Nepal’s innings settles.

Haris Rauf – Middle-Overs Pace

Haris Rauf brings raw pace to Pakistan’s attack.

His role is different from Shaheen’s because he is often most dangerous after the opening powerplay, when batters try to increase the scoring rate.

Against Nepal, Pakistan can use Rauf aggressively rather than defensively.

If Nepal lose early wickets, his short ball and pace through the middle overs could create further pressure.

Rauf remains part of Pakistan’s ODI setup and was included in their 2026 squad against Australia.

Shadab Khan – All-Round Fantasy Option

Shadab Khan produced the best bowling figures in the only Pakistan-Nepal ODI, taking four wickets in Multan.

His leg-spin becomes particularly useful once Nepal’s batters try to attack through the middle overs.

Shadab can also score quickly in the lower middle order, giving him two possible routes to fantasy points.

He returned to Pakistan’s ODI squad in May 2026 after missing the earlier Bangladesh series.

On a dry or slow pitch, Shadab is one of Pakistan’s strongest all-round selections.

Rohit Paudel – Nepal’s Batting Anchor

Rohit Paudel is one of the most experienced batters in Nepal’s current team.

He captained Nepal through an important period of development and helped them win 11 of 12 Cricket World Cup League 2 ODIs during a successful qualification run in 2023.

Although Sandeep Lamichhane has now taken over the ODI captaincy, Rohit remains central to Nepal’s batting.

Against Pakistan, his main challenge will be surviving the new-ball spells from Shaheen and Naseem while still keeping the scoreboard moving.

If Nepal bat first, Rohit is likely to be the player expected to bat deep into the innings.

Sandeep Lamichhane – Nepal’s Biggest Bowling Threat

Sandeep Lamichhane is Nepal’s leading strike bowler and current ODI captain.

By August 2026, he had taken 154 wickets in 77 ODIs and had become the fastest Nepal player to reach 150 ODI wickets. He was also the first Nepal player to take 100 T20I wickets.

Sandeep’s matchup with Babar Azam could be one of the most important parts of a Pakistan-Nepal game.

Pakistan’s batters are generally strong against spin, but Lamichhane’s googly and changes of pace can still create opportunities if they attack too aggressively.

On a slow pitch, he is Nepal’s strongest fantasy bowling choice.

Karan KC – Nepal’s Pace All-Rounder

Karan KC adds balance to Nepal’s XI because he can bowl with the new ball and contribute useful lower-order runs.

His right-arm fast-medium bowling is especially important when conditions offer swing.

Nepal may use him immediately against Pakistan’s opening batters in an attempt to repeat the early wickets they found in Multan in 2023.

Karan also has enough hitting power to add valuable runs in the final overs, making him a useful lower-cost fantasy selection.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch report depends entirely on the venue, but Multan provides the clearest historical reference for Pakistan vs Nepal.

Multan Cricket Stadium generally favors batting once the new ball loses its movement.

The surface can be flat, and the ball comes onto the bat well, which was evident when Pakistan scored 342/6 against Nepal in 2023.

However, the first few overs can still offer seam movement, particularly in a day-night match.

Spin usually becomes more relevant as the pitch dries.

If a future Pakistan vs Nepal match is again played in Pakistan, heat could also affect the teams. Daytime temperatures can be demanding, while evening dew may reduce grip for spinners.

A dry surface would strengthen Sandeep Lamichhane and Shadab Khan as fantasy picks. A greener pitch would increase the value of Shaheen, Naseem, Haris and Karan KC.

Recent Form

Pakistan’s white-ball team has gone through several changes during 2026.

Shaheen Afridi was appointed ODI captain, while Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan returned for the Australia ODI series. Pakistan were also developing newer players such as Maaz Sadaqat, Arafat Minhas and Sufyan Moqim.

Nepal continued their rise in associate cricket during the same period.

They played the 2026 T20 World Cup and later qualified for the 2027 Asia Cup. Their senior core still includes Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Aasif Sheikh, Karan KC, Sompal Kami and Kushal Bhurtel.

Pakistan remain clear favorites in a direct matchup, but Nepal now have considerably more experience against strong international opposition than they did when the teams first met in 2023.

Best Fantasy Cricket Picks

Fantasy teams should be finalized only after official playing XIs are announced.

Captain Choices

Babar Azam – Best pure batting option and already has 151 against Nepal.

Shaheen Afridi – Strong wicket-taking potential with the new ball.

Shadab Khan – Offers points through both batting and bowling.

Vice-Captain Choices

Mohammad Rizwan – Wicketkeeping plus top/middle-order batting.

Sandeep Lamichhane – Nepal’s leading strike bowler.

Rohit Paudel – Nepal’s most reliable top-order batting option.

For safer fantasy combinations, Babar as captain and Shaheen or Shadab as vice-captain provides strong Pakistan coverage.

For a differential lineup, Sandeep can be used as vice-captain on a spin-friendly pitch.

Conclusion

Pakistan playing 11 vs Nepal will depend on format, venue and squad availability, but Pakistan are likely to rely on a strong senior core led by Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and a deep fast-bowling attack.

Nepal’s team has also developed since the countries first met in 2023. Sandeep Lamichhane now leads the ODI side, while Rohit Paudel, Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee and Karan KC provide an experienced core.

Pakistan currently lead the ODI head-to-head 1-0. The teams have not yet played an official T20I.

Their only meeting remains the 2023 Asia Cup game in Multan, where Babar scored 151, Iftikhar made 109* and Pakistan won by 238 runs.

Pakistan would begin another meeting as favorites, but Nepal’s improving spin attack and growing international experience mean the contest should not be judged only on the result of their first match.

FAQs

What is the predicted Pakistan playing 11 vs Nepal?

A possible ODI XI is Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim.

Who could captain Pakistan against Nepal?

Shaheen Shah Afridi is Pakistan’s current ODI captain based on the squad announced in May 2026.

Who is Nepal’s current ODI captain?

Sandeep Lamichhane was appointed Nepal ODI captain in August 2026.

Has Pakistan ever played Nepal in an ODI?

Yes. Pakistan and Nepal played their first ODI at the 2023 Asia Cup.

Who won Pakistan vs Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup?

Pakistan won by 238 runs.

How many ODIs have Pakistan and Nepal played?

They have played one official ODI.

Have Pakistan and Nepal played a T20I?

No. They have not yet played an official men’s T20I.

Who scored the most runs in Pakistan vs Nepal?

Babar Azam holds the record with 151 from their only ODI meeting.

How many runs did Babar Azam score against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup?

Babar scored 151 from 131 balls.

Who else scored a century against Nepal in that match?

Iftikhar Ahmed scored an unbeaten 109 from 71 balls.

What was Pakistan’s score against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup?

Pakistan scored 342/6 in 50 overs.

What was Nepal’s score against Pakistan?

Nepal were bowled out for 104.

Who was Pakistan’s best bowler against Nepal?

Shadab Khan took four wickets in the 2023 Asia Cup match.

Who is Nepal’s best fantasy pick against Pakistan?

Sandeep Lamichhane is usually Nepal’s strongest fantasy bowling option because of his wicket-taking record.

Who is the best fantasy captain for Pakistan vs Nepal?

Babar Azam is a strong captain choice because of his top-order role and previous 151 against Nepal.

Is Mohammad Rizwan certain to play against Nepal?

No. Pakistan’s squads have changed during 2026, and Rizwan was not included in the ODI squad for the Australia series. His selection should be confirmed from the official match squad.

Who is Nepal’s main batter?

Rohit Paudel is one of Nepal’s most reliable top-order batters and a former ODI captain.

Who is Nepal’s main fast-bowling all-rounder?

Karan KC is one of Nepal’s leading pace-bowling all-rounders.

Where was the first Pakistan vs Nepal match played?

The first international meeting was played at Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan.