Ahead of Pakistan’s final Super 4 match against Sri Lanka tomorrow, they declared fast bowler Naseem Shah out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday, and reserve pace bowler Zaman Khan replaced him.
Naseem Shah ruled out Asia Cup: Naseem Shah developed a niggle and did not bowl his full allotted number of overs against India in the Super 4. In the second innings, he and fellow bowler Haris Rauf did not come out to bat.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) then summoned up backup pacers Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani.
The PCB said in a statement on Monday that “this is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month.”
The team’s medical staff will continue to monitor Haris and Naseem, according to the statement.
The statement conclude, “The team management will request a replacement from the ACC technical committee only if Naseem or Haris are deem unavailable for the upcoming week.”
Haris Rauf’s health is getting better, and he will remain in Sri Lanka with the group.
With nine wickets, Haris Rauf is tie for the most in the competition with Naseem Shah, who took seven.
While Shahnawaz is awaiting his visa and will travel to Colombo on the next aircraft once he receives it, backup fast bowler Zaman Khan arrived in Colombo today and joined the squad at the hotel.
Crucial Super 4 Showdown: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka for Asia Cup 2023 Final Spot
However, At the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will square off in their final Super 4 game tomorrow.
Additionally, The victor of this game will take on India in the Asia Cup 2023 championship, making it a virtual semi-final.
India defeated Pakistan by 228 runs in a Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday’s reserve day, and then followed it up with an exciting 41-run triumph over Sri Lanka yesterday to qualify for the tournament’s final.
Notably, if the crucial match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is postponed, Sri Lanka, with a higher net run rate than India, will join India in the Asia Cup 2023 final.