Pakistan announced their starting team the day before their encounter against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four. Pakistan made up to five changes for the game they needed to win owing to injury and form.
Despite being constrained by injuries, Pakistan continues to announce the starting XI for the upcoming Asia Cup. In order to address three injury concerns and two tactical considerations, Pakistan made up to five lineup changes for the Super Fours match against Sri Lanka. With India already securing a position in the Asia Cup final, Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka will be a must-win for both teams.
Due to an injury sustained during the India game, pacer Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the Asia Cup. Salman Agha, an all-rounder, had a few wounds on his face after the ball struck him as the batsman attempted to sweep a Ravindra Jadeja delivery, while Haris Rauf is experiencing discomfort in his oblique muscle. Since he wasn’t wearing a helmet, it took the top edge and struck him, causing blood to stream down his face.
In order to make room for Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz, opening batsman Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf were dropped. For the Sri Lanka game, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Wasim Jr., and Zaman Khan took the place of the injured trio in the starting XI.
Naseem hurt a muscle and neither Rauf nor Naseem came out to bat on the reserve day against India. Zaman Khan will now play the game against Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 14. Pakistan has picked up backup bowlers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as reserves.
On Tuesday, September 12, Sri Lanka had a great chance to defeat India after bowling them out for just 213 runs, but their batsmen buckled under the strain. India won an exciting game by 41 runs to go to the final, where they will face the winner of Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka.
Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Zaman Khan make form Pakistan’s starting XI for the Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours match against Sri Lanka.