In a worrying sign for Pakistan ahead of the 50-over World Cup, pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah has picked up niggles during the Asia Super Four match against India in Colombo.
“Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups. The two have been called up after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India,” said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement.
Rauf didn’t bowled a single over on the reserve day, while Naseem failed to complete his quota as he left the field in the 49th over after bowling just two balls of his final over. This was the first time that Naseem has gone wicketless in 14 ODIs. Neither Haris Rauf nor Naseem Shah walked out to bat for Pakistan.
Rauf, currently leads the wickets tally in the ongoing Asia Cup with nine scalps from his first three games. In the first outing between India and Pakistan, the right arm quick had managed to nab three wickets.
Alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, Rauf makes for arguably the best pace trio going into the ODI World Cup next month. The triumvirate share 68 wickets between each other in the 50-overs format this year.
However, the PCB maintains that it is just a precautinary measures and the replacement will only be requested if the duo will be ruled out.
“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 and the two will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel.
“The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Haris or Naseem are ruled out for the next seven days.”
Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their last Super Four match in Colombo on Thursday.
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