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Pakistan Cricket has announced their side for a must-win Asia Cup Super Fours clash against Sri Lanka at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. As many as five changes have been made to the playing XI.
Two forced changes have been made due to injuries to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Zaman Khan will make his ODI debut whereas Wasim Jr. came in for Rauf. Faheem Ashraf has been benched as well. Given the nature of the pitch, Mohammad Nawaz has been brought in.
Changes have been made in the batting department as well after they got bowled out for 128. Mohammad Haris replaced Fakhar Zaman as the latter has been underwhelming so far. Also, Saud Shakeel replaced Agha Salman.
It will be a virtual semi-final of Asia Cup 2023 as the winner will take on India in the final at the same venue on September 17.
Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper-batter), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr. Zaman Khan.
In the absence of Shah and Rauf, Pakistan will bank on young pacers to come good against Dasun Shanaka-led side.
"Obviously, it is a big blow (absence of Naseem). It is unfortunate that he picked some little niggles. But what a fantastic opportunity for the guys you know coming in. After going down against India, it's a must-win game for us tomorrow. I'm quite excited to see new guys stepping in and showing some character," said Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel during the pre-match press conference.
Morkel also hoped that their spinners would put their best foot forward against Sri Lanka on a pitch that is likely to assist them.
"The conditions are spin-friendly and I think our spinners are working really hard at the moment. They will be the first to put up their hands when it is needed. They are all match-winners and experienced players. They know how to make comebacks," he added.
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