T20 World Cup: Just days ahead of the semi-final clash between Pakistan and Australia, Mohammed Rizwan and Shoaib Malik are down with flu. Malik and Rizwan did not participate in the practice session on Wednesday as well, as per a report in Cricket Pakistan.
Their presence in the Playing XI on Thursday's semi-final is not yet confirmed. It is said that both the players had cleared their respective Covid-19 tests, however, the team doctor, Dr Najeeb Soomro, has advised them to rest.
The participation of Rizwan and Malik in Thursday's semi-final will be confirmed on the day of the match.
Rizwan-Malik's Absence Will Hurt Pakistan
Mohammed Rizwan has been flamboyant opening the batting in this T20 WC with Babar Azam. He has scored 214 runs in this tournament. If he has to be dropped then Pakistan's former skipper, Sarfaraz would come in as a keeper and Fakhar Zaman would open the batting.
On the other hand, Shoaib Malik was the man of the match in the last match against Scotland. The veteran all-rounder scored 54 in just 18 balls with the help of six 6s and one 4. Malik's form peaked at the right time, but the flu scare would put Pakistani fans in doubt.
However, the Pakistan team management is hopeful that both, Shoaib Malik and Mohammed Rizwan, will recover in time for the match, reported Cricket Pakistan.