Due to injuries sustained during the Super Four match
against India in Colombo during the course of Sunday and Monday, it is
uncertain whether Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will play in the remaining matches
of the Asia Cup.
Both of Pakistan’s fast bowlers are very set to miss
their team’s upcoming match against Sri Lanka on Thursday. If Pakistan advances
to the final, they are also unsure about playing.
Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani have been recalled by
Pakistan to serve as backups for the injured pair. However, the PCB has made it
clear that Rauf and Naseem have not been disqualified from the competition and
will continue to be monitored by the team’s medical staff.
“This is only a precautionary measure keeping in
mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket
World Cup next month,” a PCB media statement said. “Haris and Naseem
will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel. The
team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee
if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days.”
Rauf was unable to play on Monday due to “a
little discomfort in his right flank” while Naseem was forced to leave the
pitch in the 49th over of India’s innings on the reserve day due to a shoulder
ailment. When Pakistan’s pursuit came to an end on 128 runs, neither batted,
giving India a 228-run victory.
It was the poorest of Pakistan’s two days, during
which all three of its top fast bowlers—including third-place Shaheen Shah
Afridi—left the pitch with various injuries.
India quickly outplayed Pakistan in every aspect of
the game, scoring 356 for 2 in their 50 overs over the course of two days. In
their chase on Monday, Pakistan never had a chance, losing wickets frequently
and crumbling on either side of a protracted rain delay.