The ongoing Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka has presented challenges for Pakistan’s cricket team, as they will be missing their crucial fast bowlers, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, in the upcoming matches. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that both players will be unavailable for the upcoming match against the Sri Lanka scheduled for Thursday. As the status of Haris and Naseem’s participation remains unclear, the PCB made a late announcement on Monday, introducing Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as new additions to their squad.
Also read: Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah likely to miss remainder of Asia Cup 2023: Reports
“Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups. The two have been called up after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India,” stated an official announcement from the Pakistan team.
The developments followed injuries sustained by Haris and Shah during the Super 4 match against India in Colombo. Haris experienced discomfort in his right flank and rested on Monday, while Naseem suffered a shoulder injury and left the field during the 49th over of Monday’s game. The PCB, however, characterized these actions as precautionary measures taken to ensure the players’ fitness and well-being in preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled for next month.
Additionally, the PCB mentioned that the medical panel of the team would continue to monitor the injured players, Haris and Naseem. The PCB clarified that they would only seek a replacement from the ACC technical committee if either Haris or Naseem is deemed unfit for the upcoming seven days.
Regarding the match, on the reserve day, India continued their dominant performance against Pakistan after a rain delay, amassing a formidable 356/2, which marked their highest score against Pakistan in ODIs. Pakistan’s chase looked quite challenging as only three of their batters managed to score more than 20 runs. India’s pacers displayed exceptional accuracy in their line and length, showcasing good seam and swing bowling.
