COLOMBO: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday, and has been replaced by backup pace bowler Zaman Khan ahead of Pakistan’s final Super 4 match against Sri Lanka tomorrow.
Naseem Shah injured his right shoulder during the match against India. He continues to be monitored by the team’s medical panel that is taking all necessary precautions keeping in mind the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Haris Rauf, who did not bowl on the reserve day of the PAK vs IND contest as a precautionary measure, continues to recover well after he felt discomfort in his right flank on the first day of the match.
Team doctor Sohail Saleem: “These two fast bowlers [Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf] are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup.”
Zaman Khan joined the team in Colombo today and will train with the squad at the RPICS in the evening, while Shahnawaz Dahani will join the team on Thursday morning.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani as backup pacers on Monday after the conclusion of the game against India.
“This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month,” the statement by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday.
The statement noted that Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel.
“The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days,” it concluded.
Haris Rauf is the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with nine wickets, while Naseem Shah has picked up seven wickets.
Pakistan will play their last Super 4 match tomorrow against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
This match will serve as a virtual semi-final, as the winner of this contest will face India in the final of Asia Cup 2023.
India has qualified for the final of Asia Cup 2023 after handing Pakistan a 228-run thrashing in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday’s reserve day, and following it up with a thrilling 41-run victory over Sri Lanka yesterday.
Notably, if the all-important clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka gets washed out then Sri Lanka will join India in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 due to a superior net run rate.
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