Pakistan have dealt with a major blow right ahead of the fifth T20I against England as their fast-bowling phenom Naseem Shah was rushed to the hospital after his health deteriorated late on Tuesday (September 27).
His worsening health has raised doubts about his availability for the all-important clash against England on Wednesday (September 28).
Shah had been suffering from a high grade fever for the past two days due to a chest infection. The fever had appeared to drain Shah of any power and it has been learnt that he did not leave his room all day on Tuesday.
On Tuesday evening, his condition seemed to worsen, prompting a trip to the hospital.
Shah underwent tests for the viral dengue fever after which he was admitted to a local, private hospital for treatment.
It is now unlikely he will be well enough to make it for Pakistan’s next match against England during the ongoing, seven-match series which is tied at 2-2.
It is now expected that spinner Abrar Ahmed may be handed his debut in the next match. Fellow spinner Usman Qadir may be given a rest.
In the last four T20Is that Pakistan have played so far in the ongoing series against England, Naseem just played the first match where he remained wicket-less while conceding 41 runs in his spell.
The 19-year-old played a significantly instrumental role in propelling Pakistan to the just concluded Asia Cup 2022's final, however the side missed a shot to the title going down to six-time champions Sri Lanka in the summit clash.
Pakistan squad for England T20Is:
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood and Usman Qadir.
England's T20I squad
Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Pakistan vs England Schedule:
5th T20: Pakistan v England, 28 September, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
6th T20: Pakistan v England, 30 September, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
7th T20: Pakistan v England, 2 October, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
