With the Asia Cup 2023 reaching its culmination, Pakistan's cricket team have been hit with injuries to two of their frontline pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, incurred during the match between India and Pakistan. Due to this, the team management has been forced to call upon Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as a precautionary measure for the rest of the event.
Injury concerns for key bowlers
On the reserve day of the crucial Super Fours clash against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Rauf remained absent due to a muscle strain, as reported by Pakistan's bowling coach, Morne Morkel. In a similar vein, Naseem Shah suffered an injury to his bowling shoulder in the latter part of the Indian innings. Both bowlers missed their batting turns as their team were bowled out for a mere 128 runs.
With the ODI World Cup on the horizon, the Pakistani cricket authority is ensuring no risks are taken with their top pacers.
A precautionary measure
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified their stance, stating that these changes are '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.'
Rauf and Shah's conditions remain closely monitored by the team's medical experts. Based on the observations in the upcoming week, a decision on their replacement will be made.
Dahani and Khan's Proving Ground
The newly inducted Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan are familiar faces in the international cricket arena. Both have previously represented Pakistan, showcasing their prowess after commendable performances with the Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars, two prominent teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Despite their talent-laden team, Pakistan faces challenges in the Asia Cup 2023. Currently sitting third in the Super Four points tally, they faced a staggering 228-run loss to India in Colombo. Tasked with chasing an imposing 357-run target, the team folded at 128 in just 32 overs. This setback affected their net run rate significantly.
Pakistan's hopes now rest on their concluding Super Four match against Sri Lanka, scheduled for September 14 in Colombo.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar's 19-year-old record, becomes fastest to 13,000 ODI runs
