Pakistan have made five changes ahead of their do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2923. They continued to follow the routine of announcing the playing XI well ahead of the match despite being constrained by injuries. Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the Asia Cup with a shoulder injury and has been replaced by pacer Zaman Khan for the Sri Lanka match.
Pakistan's game against Sri Lanka will be a must-win for either side for a place in the final of the Asia Cup. India already booking their spot in the final. The two-time champions started their campaign brilliantly with a big win against Nepal. In their next match against arch-rivals India, they bowled out India but were not able to come out and bat because rain played a spoilsport.
Fakhar Zaman and Agha Salman have been dropped
Opener Fakhar Zaman has struggling to get runs for quite some time now and was dropped alongside all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. The duo made way for, their List A captain Mohammad Haris, and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz. Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Wasim Jr., and Zaman Khan replaced the injured trio of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Agha Salman, in the playing XI for the Sri Lanka game.
Pakistan Cricket Board said, "These two fast bowlers are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup." Their bowling coach Morne Morkel said, "I’m excited just to work with him
Pakistan had called up reserve pacers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backup and the latter will now be playing the game against Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 14. Babar Azam and Co. need to defeat Sri Lanka to book a place in this year's Asia Cup final against India.
Pakistan Squad vs Sri Lanka
Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Zaman Khan
Here's how fans reacted
Only #Pakistan 🇵🇰 Can Do This😅😜
— Muhammad Ali (@Muhammad_Ali108) September 13, 2023
Balanced team
— Kasem (@CallMeQuraishi) September 13, 2023
I don't think Muhammad Haris selection in this match is good .this is a big blandar he is not odi player
— Fawad Khan (@FawadKh76430257) September 14, 2023
This is too much for me 5 changes after the one loss this is not good it's hurts Pakistan team
— Doalt khan (@doalt505) September 13, 2023
Good ND looking well team
— Tayyab Jarral (@TayyabJarr59020) September 13, 2023
But best of luck boys
We want to @pak vs @ind final in the Asia cup 2023💥💯
muhammad haris haven't any list A performer ...he is slogger..you have tayyyab tahir.abdullah shafiq...shan masood
— CRIC-COURT (@OwasZfr) September 13, 2023
Probably the las few chances for shadab to prove himself before being inevitably dropped from the world cup playing 11, see that coming.
— Cricket geek (@thenewsage_) September 13, 2023