LAHORE: Pakistan team is grappling with a pace bowling crisis ahead of their crucial Super Four match against Sri Lanka tomorrow at the ongoing 2023 Asia Cup.
Injuries continue to plague not only their current options but their backup options as well.
Pakistan pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India in Colombo on Monday.
As a result, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan were called as their backups, while Mohammad Hasnain and Hassan Ali weren’t taken into consideration.
Zaman flew in from Pakistan and is already a popular name in national cricket after his heroics in this year’s PSL for champions Lahore Qalandars.
The 22-year-old is expected to make his ODI debut in a high-pressure match.
“I’m excited just to work with him, connect with them and build that relationship and help him develop, because he’s a match winner,” said Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel.
Salman Ali Agha’s participation in the upcoming match against Sri Lanka scheduled for September is also hanging in the balance due to an injury he sustained during the Pakistan-India match.
The winner of tomorrow’s match will earn a spot in the finals scheduled for September 17.
India has already secured a spot in the final by defeating both Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Super Four stage, leaving only these two teams vying for the remaining slot.
Pakistan seeks redemption after a humiliating loss to India in their previous match, while Sri Lanka faces the challenge of maintaining momentum.
