Pakistan has unveiled its playing XI for the crucial Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match against Sri Lanka, a game that will determine who advances to face India in the final. However, Pakistan has been dealt a significant blow as their star pacer, Naseem Shah, has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the Asia Cup due to a right shoulder injury.
In a reshuffled lineup, Muhammad Haris is set to open for Pakistan in place of Fakhar Zaman, while Saud Shakeel takes the spot of Agha Salman in the middle order. The uncapped fast bowler, Zaman Khan, who stepped in for Naseem Shah, will make his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. Additionally, Wasim Jnr will replace the injured Haris Rauf.
The medical panel has advised Naseem Shah to rest and recover before the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in India next month. They will continue to monitor his progress. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf, who had a side strain and wasn’t allowed to bowl against India as a precaution, is showing signs of improvement.
Zaman Khan, the new addition to the squad, has joined the team in Colombo. Another promising speedster, Shahnawaz Dahani, is currently awaiting his visa before joining the squad in Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the decision to call up Zaman and Dahani as backups due to the injuries suffered by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah during the Super Four clash against India. This precautionary measure is taken with the upcoming World Cup in mind, as Pakistan does not want to risk the fitness and well-being of their primary pacers.
Pakistan’s playing XI for Pak vs SL
Notably, Pak vs SL is scheduled for 2:30 pm PST on 14th September, Thursday. Here is Pakistan’s playing XI for the match:
M Haris, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, M Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, M Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, M Waseem, Jr Zaman Khan
Also, see:
Asia Cup 2023: Qualification scenario for Pakistan
