Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as replacements for the injured duo
Danyal Rasool09/11/2023 • 8 hours ago
Naseem Shah bowled well but with no luck Getty Images
Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah’s participation in the rest of the Asia Cup is in doubt after they sustained injuries during the Super Four match against India in Colombo on Sunday and Monday.
ESPNcricinfo understands that the fast bowlers will almost certainly miss Pakistan’s next game, against Sri Lanka on Thursday, and they are also uncertain about the final – should Pakistan get there.
Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as replacements for the injured duo. However, the PCB has clarified that Rauf and Naseem have not been ruled out of the tournament and remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel.
“This is just a precautionary measure to keep an eye on the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month,” a PCB media statement said. “Haris and Naseem continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel. The team management will request a replacement from the ACC technical committee only if Naseem or Haris are unavailable for the next seven days.”
Rauf felt “a little bit uncomfortable in his right flank” on Sunday, which prevented him from taking the field on Monday, while Naseem retired on the reserve day in the 49th over of India’s innings with a bowling shoulder injury. Neither batted in Pakistan’s chase, which ended at 128, giving India a 228-run win.
It was a bad two days for Pakistan, with all three top-class fast bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi the third – leaving the field at some point due to injuries.
Pakistan were outplayed in all areas from the start, with India scoring 356 for 2 in their 50 overs over two days. Pakistan were never in the hunt in their chase, losing regular wickets and collapsing on either side of a long rain break on Monday.
Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000