Asia Cup
COLOMBO: In response to Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah sustaining ‘niggles’ during the rain-affected Asia Cup Super 4 clash against India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called up backup pacers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan.
The decision is described as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the players’ fitness and well-being ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month, according to a statement by the PCB.
The statement further outlines that Haris and Naseem will remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel.
Furthermore, it specifies that the team management will only request replacements from the ACC technical committee if they rule out Naseem or Haris for the next seven days.
During the Super Four match, Pakistan faced adversity as Haris Rauf suffered a strain and was unable to continue, followed by Naseem Shah also experiencing discomfort in his hand.
In the rain-affected game, India’s Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scored unbeaten centuries, leading their team to a dominant 228-run victory over Pakistan. Kohli (122) and Rahul (111) compiled a partnership of 233 runs as India reached a formidable total of 356-2.
India successfully defended their total by bowling out Pakistan for 128 in the 50-over contest in Colombo. Pakistan concluded their innings at 128-8 in 32 overs, with injured bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah not required to bat.
India’s spinner Kuldeep Yadav delivered an exceptional performance, claiming figures of 5-25.
