Pakistan pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are likely to miss the remainder of the Asia Cup 2023 following injuries sustained during the IND vs PAK match. Pakistan, who suffered a heavy defeat to India on Monday, faces the daunting prospect of missing two key players in their upcoming clash against Sri Lanka.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are certain to miss SL vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 clash on Thursday. The duo’s participation in the final – if Pakistan get there – is also unsure. Notably, Haris Rauf is currently the leading wicket taker in Asia Cup 2023. The 29-year-old experienced discomfort in his right flank during the encounter on Sunday and didn’t participate on reserve day.
Meanwhile, Naseem Shah, who had been vital to Pakistan’s bowling attack, had to leave the field during the 49th over of India’s innings due to a shoulder injury. Both players weren’t able to come out to bat in Pakistan’s unsuccessful chase, resulting in India’s 228-run win.
Haris Rauf in Asia Cup 2023:
Matches: 4
Wickets: 9
Average: 13.33
BBM: 4/19
Naseem Shah in Asia Cup 2023:
Matches: 7
Wickets: 7
Average: 20.00
BBM: 3/34
Although, reports have suggested that the decision to keep Rauf and Naseem from batting was a precautionary measure. Pakistan’s team management is not taking any chances before the World Cup 2023 and have called up reserve bowlers.
Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan called up as backup
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have called up pacers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups.
Another injury concern for Pakistan would be Agha Salman who got hit in the face while playing Ravindra Jadeja in IND vs PAK. The batter was hit just under the eye and was bleeding.
He reportedly didn’t travel with the team and went to the hospital for a scan. The extent of his injury is still unknown.
With the Asia Cup reaching a crucial juncture and Pakistan aiming to regain momentum, all eyes will be on the fitness status of Rauf and Naseem.
Asia Cup 2023 Schedule – Revised
| Date | Venue | Match | Stage | Match Timing/Result |
| 6 Sep | Lahore | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST (Pak win by 7 wickets) |
| 9 Sep | Colombo | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 10 Sep | Colombo | India vs Pakistan | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 11 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day | (Ind won by 228 runs) | |
| 12 Sep | Colombo | India vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (India won by 41 runs) |
| 14 Sep | Colombo | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Super 4 | (Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets) |
| 15 Sep | Colombo | India vs Bangladesh | Super 4 | 3:00 PM IST |
| 17 Sep | Colombo | Final | 3:00 PM IST | |
| 18 Sep | Colombo | Reserve Day |
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve).
Backups: Shahnawaz Dahani, Zaman Khan
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