In what could be a huge injury scare for Pakistan ahead of Pakistan's Asia Cup 2023 clash against Nepal, their left-arm speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi went off the field after having conversation with the team physio and doctor near the boundary line. It is still not clear whether the speedster has a niggle or has injured himself in Pakistan's tournament opener being played in Multan. Shaheen bowled 5 overs and picked up 2 wickets for 27 runs before walking out.
The move could also be a precautionary measure from Pakistan management knowing that Shaheen is crucial to the team's bowling composition and the team has to travel to Sri Lanka before their next match match on Saturday (September 2). Later, Haris Rauf (2/16) was also seen walking off the field after his spell.
Eventually, Pakistan completed a win by 238 runs over Nepal. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat first. While the Men in Green lose early wickets and were 25/2, first a partnership between Babar and Mohammad Rizwan steadied things before a record-breaking 214-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Babar and Iftikhar Ahmed helped them post a strong total. Both scored hundreds to help hosts finish on 342/6.
In response, Nepal's top order was blown away by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Sham. However, it was the spin of Shadab Khan, who finished with figures of 4 for 27, that helped Pakistan wrap up the Pakistan tail in quick time. Shadab ended up picking the wickets of Gulsan Jha, Kushal Malla, Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi. Naseem and Mohammad Nawaz also chipped in with a wicket each as Pakistan bowled Nepal out for 104 in 23.4 overs.
Pakistan will now take on India on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.