Pakistan’s new ball bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2023. Shah injured his right shoulder on the reserve day of the Super Fours clash against India and did not complete his full quota of 10 overs. While Shah is being monitored by the team’s medical panel, Zaman Khan has been named replacement for the remainder of the tournament.
The reason behind the replacement is the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf is recovering from the side strain which led to him not participating on the reserve day. However, Rauf has not been ruled out of Asia Cup 2023 even though Shahnawaz Dahani was called as his backup.
“These two fast bowlers are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup,” the team doctor Sohail Saleem said in a statement released by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on the eve of their must-win clash against Sri Lanka at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
The Mirpur-born 22-year-old pacer joined the squad on September 13 morning. It will be interesting to see whether he makes his Asia Cup debut. Zaman is yet to make his ODI debut. He made his T20I debut against Afghanistan in March 2023. He has picked up four wickets from six innings. He has played just seven List A (One-Day domestic cricket) games so far and picked up six wickets.
Babar Azam-led Pakistan will take on defending champions Sri Lanka at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on September 14. The winner of the match will take on Rohit Sharma’s India in the Asia Cup 2023 final on September 17.
"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.
Shah, Rauf among top wicket-takers of Asia Cup 2023
Shah took seven wickets from four games in Asia Cup 2023. On the other hand, Rauf is Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in the ongoing tournament with nine wickets from four games. Rauf bowled only five overs against Pakistan as he did not take part against India on reserve day.
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