In a major scare for Pakistan, their designated finisher Asif Ali got injured during the Tri-series final against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Asif was seen limping off the field after he tried to save a boundary in the third over of the innings.
The boundary could not be saved but Ali injured himself and needed some medical attention on the sidelines. As he dived to save the boundary, his knee got stuck in the ground.
While there were concerns over his fitness after he left the field, the middle-order came in to bat in Pakistan’s run chase of 164. He came in to bat in the slog overs but could score just one run from two balls he faced. He got dismissed by Kiwi pacer Blair Tickner.
Despite Ali's single-digit score, Pakistan won the game by five wickets with three balls to spare. Mohammad Nawaz (38) and Iftikhar Ahmed (25) finished the game to win the Tri-series that also included Bangladesh.
It is yet to be seen whether Ali’s injury is a topic of concern or not as there is no official statement.
Pakistan are scheduled to play their warm-up matches against England and Afghanistan on October 17 and 19 respectively at The Gabba, Brisbane. In the warm-up matches, it will be clear whether Asif is fully fit or not. Alongside Asif, Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi’s fitness will be tested as well.
Afridi was ruled out for months after injuring his knee. He missed the Asia Cup 2022 as well where Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in the final. The left-arm pacer recently revealed that he has been bowling nearly eight overs in the nets at full pace.
Pakistan are scheduled to begin their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign against arch-rivals India on October 23 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. While Nawaz’s form is a big positive for Pakistan, their middle-order remains a concern in case the openers get out early in the powerplay overs.
