Babar Azam-led Pakistan have suffered a major blow ahead of their must-win clash against South Africa on October 27. Hasan Ali has been ruled out of the game due to illness.
"Fast bowler Hasan Ali is unavailable for Pakistan's match against South Africa as he is unwell," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a brief statement.
Ali is Pakistan's second-highest wicket-taker in the World Cup 2023. He has taken eight wickets from five games. In his absence, Mohammad Wasim Jr. is likely to make his World Cup debut.
In the last clash, Mohammad Nawaz warmed the benches as he was unwell for the Afghanistan clash. In his absence, an out-of-form Shadab Khan returned to the side and failed to make an impact in the middle overs.
Wasim Jr. has played a total of 16 ODIs so far. He has picked up 24 wickets including a four-fer. He remained wicketless in his last two ODI appearances. In the warm-up games, he picked up two wickets but leaked too many runs.
Pakistan are currently placed sixth on the points table with three losses from five games. A win will help them reclaim the fifth spot and keep their chances of reaching the semi-finals alive. A loss will ensure that they are all but out of the last four race.
In the pre-match press conference, Shadab addressed the criticism he has faced for not providing breakthroughs in the middle overs as he said, “I have been fairly criticised since I have not been able to perform well. An all-rounder should do well in all three departments of the game.”
Shadab is confident that Pakistan will be able to get out of the tough situation like they have before as he said, “Our team is united and we aren’t focusing on what people are saying about us.”
The last time Pakistan faced South Africa in World Cups was in 2019 edition. Wahab Riaz and Shadab Khan picked up three-fers to help Pakistan win by 49 runs at the Lord's London.
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