Pakistan named 22-year-old Zaman Khan as a replacement for the injured Naseem Shah.© AFP
Pakistan suffered a major blow on Wednesday when fast bowler Naseem Shah was ruled out for the remainder of the Asia Cup due to a shoulder injury. Naseem’s unavailability will hit Pakistan hard ahead of their decisive match against Sri Lanka on Thursday. Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in a virtual semi-final on Thursday, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final against India. The Pakistan Cricket Board has named 22-year-old Zaman Khan, who is yet to make his ODI debut, as Naseem’s replacement in the 17-member squad, while also calling up fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani.
“Right-arm fast bowler Zaman Khan has replaced Naseem Shah in the 17-player Pakistan squad for the ongoing Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023,” the PCB said in a statement.
“Zaman joined the team today in the morning and will train with the team at the RPICS in the evening,” the board said.
Naseem suffered the injury during the match against India and left the field after bowling 9.2 overs without any wicket.
“Naseem injured his right shoulder during the match against India. He is still being monitored by the team’s medical panel who are taking all necessary precautions keeping in mind the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023,” the PCB said.
India piled up their joint highest ODI total of 356 for two against Pakistan, who also missed the services of Haris Rauf due to lateral tension. He did not bowl when the match was completed on the reserve day on Tuesday. “Haris Rauf, who did not bowl on the reserve day of the Pakistan-India match as a precaution, continues to recover well after feeling discomfort in his right flank on the first day of the match,” the PCB said.
“These two fast bowlers are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them with the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup.”
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