Naseem Shah ruled out of Asia Cup due to shoulder injury
Star Pakistan seamer Naseem Shah has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2023 with Zaman Khan being announced as his replacement. The 20-year-old last featured in the Super 4 fixture against India where he didn’t complete his full quota of overs and left the field while bowling the 49th over of the first innings. He finished his spell with figures of 0/53 in 9.2 overs with Iftikhar Ahmed bowling the remaining four deliveries.
Naseem picked up an injury in his right shoulder against India and will be replaced by Zaman Khan in Pakistan’s next Super 4 game against Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 14 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The 20-year-old has picked seven wickets from four innings in the tournament so far at an average of 20 and an economy of 4.85.
According to a report by ICC (International Cricket Council), he is being monitored by Pakistan medical panel which is taking all the necessary precautions with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in mind. Naseem’s replacement Zaman Khan is also a right-arm pacer and has represented Pakistan in six T20Is and picked four wickets in the format.
Apart from Naseem, there’s another major concern for Pakistan as speedster Haris Rauf is also being monitored by the medical team. Notably, Rauf didn’t bowl on the reserve day of the Pakistan vs India Super 4 clash as a precautionary measure. Pakistan medical team revealed that Rauf is recovering well after experiencing discomfort in his right flank on the first day of the match.
“These two fast bowlers are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup,” Pakistan team doctor Sohail Saleem was quoted as saying by ICC.
Pakistan eye Asia Cup final spot
Meanwhile, the upcoming fixture is extremely crucial for the Babar Azam-led side as they need to win it at all costs to progress to the final of the continental tournament to avenge their loss against India. The Men-in-Blue have already qualified for the summit clash following their back-to-back win against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Pakistan desperately need a win against Sri Lanka to make it to the final as a washout will result in their elimination from the tournament.
