Pakistan’s Naseem Shah Out of Asia Cup Due to Injury
Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah won’t be able to participate in the Asia Cup due to a shoulder injury, as announced by the team just before their crucial Super Four match.
Zaman Khan, a pace bowler, has taken Naseem’s place in the Pakistan squad for the match against Sri Lanka on Thursday. This match is essentially a semi-final in the 50-over tournament, serving as a warm-up for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.
According to the PCB, Naseem is under constant observation by the team’s medical panel, who are taking every precaution to ensure his well-being, especially with the ODI World Cup less than a month away. Meanwhile, Zaman has already joined the Pakistan team and commenced training with them. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim have been included in the starting lineup, taking the places of Faheem Ashraf and the injured Haris Rauf.
“These two (Naseem and Rauf) fast bowlers are our assets,” Pakistan team doctor Sohail Saleem said in a statement on Wednesday. “The team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all important World Cup.”
Pakistan has also summoned fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani as a backup for Haris Rauf. Dahani is set to join the team in Colombo on Thursday.
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In Pakistan’s pursuit of India’s total, neither Rauf nor Naseem had the opportunity to bat. Unfortunately, Pakistan faced a devastating 228-run defeat in that match, greatly diminishing their prospects of reaching the Asia Cup final. To have a shot at the final, they must secure a victory against Sri Lanka in their last Super Four game. However, if adverse weather conditions lead to a match cancellation, Sri Lanka will advance to the final against India due to their better net run-rate.
Pakistan’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, voiced his worries on Wednesday about the unavailability of the injured pacer Naseem Shah, considering it a notable setback for the team. Nonetheless, he maintains optimism that another skilled bowler will rise to the occasion and take over Naseem’s role in the critical Asia Cup Super Four match against Sri Lanka.
Morkel recognized the seriousness of Naseem’s absence, stating, “Obviously, it is a big blow (absence of Naseem). It is unfortunate that he picked some little niggles. But what a fantastic opportunity for the guys you know coming in. After going down against India, it’s a must-win game for us tomorrow. I’m quite excited to see new guys stepping in and showing some character.”
“After the India match, we were bitterly disappointed. For me, it is very important for the bowlers to do a bit of self-reflection, ask yourself the hard questions. Yes, credit must also go to the Indian batters,” expressed the bowling coach.
Morkel conveyed optimism that Pakistan’s spinners would perform well in the match against Sri Lanka, particularly considering the spin-friendly conditions.
“The conditions are spin friendly and I think our spinners are working really hard at the moment. They will be the first to put up their hands when it is needed. They are all match-winners and experienced players. They know how to make comebacks,” he added.
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