Due to injuries received during the IND vs. PAK match, Pakistan pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are likely to miss the remainder of the Asia Cup 2023. After a humiliating loss to India on Monday, Pakistan now confronts the terrifying prospect of being without two crucial players for their forthcoming match against Sri Lanka.
ESPNcricinfo reports that Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will not play in Thursday’s Asia Cup 2023 match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. If Pakistan makes it to the final, the duo’s participation is also in doubt. Notably, Haris Rauf is presently leading the Asia Cup 2023 in wickets taken. During the match on Sunday, the 29-year-old felt pain in his right flank and didn’t play on reserve day.
In the meantime, Naseem Shah, a key member of Pakistan’s bowling attack, was forced to leave the field during India’s innings’ 49th over owing to a shoulder injury. In Pakistan’s dismal pursuit, neither player was able to bat, leading to India’s 228-run victory.
Asia Cup 2023: Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan called up as backup for Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf
However, rumors have it that the decision to exclude Rauf and Naseem from batting was made as a precaution. Before the World Cup 2023, Pakistan’s team management has called up backup bowlers since they don’t want to take any chances.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have called up pacers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups.
Agha Salman, who suffered a blow in the face while playing Ravindra Jadeja in IND vs. PAK, is another injury worry for Pakistan. The batter was bleeding after being struck just under the eye.
According to reports, he went to the hospital for a scan rather than traveling with the team. His injury’s full extent is still unknown.
All eyes will be on Rauf and Naseem’s fitness as the Asia Cup nears a critical point and Pakistan looks to pick up steam.
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