Asia Cup 2023

Massive changes spotted as Pakistan name playing XI for Pak vs SL

by
Zainab Shafiq
September 13, 2023

Table of Contents

In a significant turn of events leading up to the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match, Pakistan has unveiled a revamped playing XI that holds the key to their coveted final showdown with India. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s hopes have been dealt a major blow as star fast bowler Naseem Shah has been sidelined due to a debilitating right shoulder injury sustained during the intense encounter against India.

Key Lineup Changes:

Muhammad Haris to Open: In a strategic move, Muhammad Haris is set to open the innings for Pakistan, replacing Fakhar Zaman, who is relinquishing his spot.
Saud Shakeel in the Middle Order: Saud Shakeel steps into the middle order, taking the place of Agha Salman.
Debutant Zaman Khan: The young fast bowler, Zaman Khan, who was brought into the squad as a replacement for Naseem Shah, will make his ODI debut, carrying the weight of expectations for the team’s pace attack.
Wasim Jnr Steps In: Additionally, Wasim Jnr has been included in the lineup, filling the void left by Haris Rauf due to his ongoing recovery from a side strain.

Pakistan’s playing XI for Pak vs SL:

M Haris, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, M Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, M Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, M Waseem, Jr Zaman Khan

Pakistan dealing with big blows ahead of Asia Cup 2023 final and World Cup 2023

Naseem Shah, a 20-year-old sensation, has been advised by the medical panel to undergo rest and recovery ahead of the imminent World Cup scheduled in India next month. The medical team will continue to monitor and assess his progress closely.

Haris Rauf, who was also unavailable for the pivotal match against India, is showing promising signs of improvement in his recovery from a side strain.

Zaman Khan, the uncapped pacer, has already joined the team in Colombo, strengthening the fast bowling arsenal. Meanwhile, his fellow speedster, Shahnawaz Dahani, is awaiting visa clearance before joining the squad in Sri Lanka.

These changes in the lineup came into effect following the injuries to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf during Pakistan’s Super Four clash against India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the prudent decision to call up Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani as contingency measures, bearing in mind the impending ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in October. This move underscores Pakistan’s commitment to preserving the fitness and well-being of their primary pacers.

Pak vs SL: Qualification scenario for Pakistan

Looking ahead, Pakistan’s final Super Four match against Sri Lanka holds immense significance, with the victor earning a coveted spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final against arch-rivals India on September 17. However, an ominous forecast indicates a high probability of rain in Colombo on September 14, potentially impacting the Pakistan-Sri Lanka encounter and other remaining matches in the tournament.

In the event of rain disrupting the remaining matches, India’s place in the final remains secure, while Bangladesh has already been eliminated from contention. Sri Lanka and Pakistan, in the event of a rain-affected match, would each receive one point, but the Lankan Tigers would advance due to their superior net run-rate (NRR). Pakistan’s NRR currently stands at -1.892, whereas Sri Lanka boasts a more favorable NRR of -0.2.