Pakistan call up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as back-ups for Asia Cup 2023 after injury concerns to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf
The Super-Four game of Asia Cup 2023 game between India and Pakistan was a one-sided contest. Pakistan lost the game by a margin of 228 runs which was the largest ever in terms of runs. The defeat left Pakistan at number three in the Super-Four table behind table toppers India and Sri Lanka at number two.
There was more despair for Pakistan with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf sustaining injuries. The two players along with Shaheen Shah Afridi have been the backbone of the Pakistani bowling attack.
Pakistan team calls up for back-up in Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan
Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf did not come out to bat on Monday as Pakistan were all out for 128. For the remaining Asia Cup 2023, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf may not be a part of the team. The Pakistani management wasted no time in drafting the replacements.
The Pakistan cricket management has not revealed much about the injury suffered by the duo. The two players are sure to miss the next game against Sri Lanka on Thursday which is a must-win game.
The Pakistani cricket body released a press statement which read “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. Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel. The team management will only request a replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days”
On Sunday before the play was stopped, Haris Rauf had bowled 5 overs for 27 runs without picking a wicket. It was learned on Monday that Haris Rauf will not bowl further on the reserve day.
Naseem Shah had bowled 9.2 overs and conceded 53 runs as he went wicketless. The right-arm pacer walked off holding his hand in the final over of the Indian innings. With the ODI World Cup just around the corner, the sight had a lot of Pakistani fans feeling tense.
25-year-old Shahnawaz Dahani had played two games and picked just a single wicket. His last game was in 2022 against the Netherlands. Zaman Khan is a upcoming right arm fast bowler and is known to be really quick. The 22-year-old is still to make his international debut for Pakistan.
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