Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match: In what comes as a big blow for the Pakistan men's cricket team, their star pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are likely to miss remainder of 2023 Asia Cup 2023, including the crucial PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match on Thursday (September 14), ESPNcricinfo reported. The pace bowling duo reportedly sustained injuries during their recent match against India. Pakistan, who suffered their biggest ever loss against India on Monday, now faces the uphill task of finding replacements for two of their most valuable pacers in their upcoming clash against Sri Lanka. Notably, if Pakistan loses to Sri Lanka or the match gets called off due to rain, they will get knocked out of the continental tournament.
29-year-old Haris Rauf (9 wickets in 4 matches), at present the highest wicket-taker in 2023 Asia Cup 2023, didn’t participate in IND vs PAK match on reserve day (Monday) as he experienced discomfort in his right flank during the encounter on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Naseem Shah (7 wickets in 7 matches) reportedly suffered a shoulder injury during IND vs PAK match on reserve day (Monday). Both players didn't even come out to bat when Pakistan were eight wickets down in their unsuccessful chase, resulting in India's 228-run victory.
Reports have suggested that pacers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan have been asked to join Pakistan squad as backups. Seems like PCB doesn't want to take unnecessary risk with their star pacers health and recovery ahead of ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 in India, set to kickstart in October.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve).
Backups: Shahnawaz Dahani, Zaman Khan