Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel said on Wednesday that injuries to their first pacers are a major blow ahead of a must-win Asia Cup match, but a “fantastic opportunity” for emerging talent. Naseem Shah was ruled out of the team’s final Super Four match – effective semi-final – against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday. Pakistan Super League star Zaman Khan came on as a replacement and will walk straight into the team, it was announced on the eve of the key match. Naseem and fellow pacer Haris Rauf were injured during the team’s previous Super Four match of the 50-over tournament, a prelude to the upcoming ODI World Cup.
“A big blow, picking up those little niggles, but in this same sort of thing, what a fantastic opportunity for the guys coming in,” Morkel, a former South Africa fast bowler, told reporters.
“After playing against India, it’s a must-win game tomorrow and I’m really excited to see the new guys come in, to see their character, to see how they react.”
Zaman, 22, flew in from Pakistan and is already a popular name in domestic cricket after his exploits in this year’s PSL for champions Lahore Qalandars.
“I’m excited to work with him, connect with them and build that relationship and help him develop because he’s a match-winner,” Morkel said of the quick who defended 13 runs from his last over and shone in Lahore’s title defense this season. season.
Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the Pakistani pace attack that rattled India in the Asia Cup group match, which was swept away after just one innings.
But Shaheen and company suffered in their last encounter against India, who scored 356-2 in a match played over two days due to rain.
Morkel said the 228-run loss to India has been a good learning experience ahead of the 50-over showpiece where they will meet their arch-rivals on October 14.
“These are fantastic lessons for us,” said Morkel, who rated Shaheen as “world-class.”
“The more difficult situations we face in the run-up to the World Cup, that’s great. You know, we’ll grow from this and then come back stronger.”
Critics have pointed to Pakistan’s lack of quality spinners, a major drawback in turning Sri Lankan wickets, but Morkel insists the slow bowlers remain ready to perform.
Pakistan made five changes to their team that lost to India, bringing in Mohammad Haris, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim and Zaman.
Pakistan XI: Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wkt), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Zaman Khan
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