Breaking! Shahnawaz Dahani Ruled out of the India-Pakistan Clash in the Asia Cup 2022

Pakistan seamer Shahnawaz Dahani has been ruled out of the team's Asia Cup Super-4 match against archrival India due to a suspected side strain, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board. Pakistan entered the tournament without pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Dahani's injury will leave them short on fast bowlers.

"Shahnawaz Dahani will not be available for Sunday's ACC T20 Asia Cup Super-4 match against India due to a suspected side strain. The injury happened while bowling in the match against Hong Kong in Sharjah on Friday," the PCB said in a statement.

"As is the case with any suspected side strain injury, the medical team will monitor him for the next 48-72 hours, following which they will make decisions, including carrying out a scan and further participation in the tournament," the PCB added.

Hasan Ali was added to the squad and will most likely replace Dahani in Pakistan's starting XI against India on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. Dahani had performed admirably against India, despite Pakistan's defeat to the Rohit Sharma-led side in Group A last Sunday.

After a batting collapse, he had scored 16 off just 6 deliveries to help boost their total. He then bowled a fine spell, allowing only 29 runs in four overs but failed to take a wicket. The 24-year-old went on to bowl 1/7 in two overs as Pakistan thrashed Hong Kong by 155 runs to qualify for the Super-4 stage.

India vs Pakistan

In the last encounter against India, Hardik Pandya produced a brilliant all-rounded performance to take his team through. Another all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, was crucial in the chase for the men in blue. He hit 35 runs off 29 balls and formed an important partnership with Pandya.

The latter scored 33 runs in just 17 balls with the bat to take his team through the line. He had previously taken three wickets in four overs with the ball. In his crucial spell, the all-rounder gave up only 25 runs.