Pakistan sweat over Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan's fitness ahead of semifinal against Australia

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are down with flu ahead of the semifinal match against Australia in the 20-20 World Cup. The players also skipped the pre-match training session due to precautionary measures. The good news though is that both players have returned COVID-19 negative. Malik and Rizwan’s condition will be assessed by the team Dr. Najeeb Soomro and a decision on their participation in the semis will be taken on the matchday, Thursday (November 11). 

Malik and Rizwan have been vital pillars in the batting department for Pakistan. The former is ageing like a fine wine and is proving his worth at the rope age of 40. He has looked fearless and aggressive in the middle order.

Along with Asif Ali, Malik has helped Pakistan finish on a high. Against Scotland, Malik showed his brutal side by scoring fifty of just 18 balls. The experienced batter can also play the anchor role to perfection as evinced by his composed knock against New Zealand.

On the other hand, Rizwan has continued his rich vein of form in T20Is this year into the 20-20 World Cup. The wicketkeeper-batter started on a bright note by scoring 79 against India. Later, he played a sensible knock against Namibia and curbed his natural instincts. The 29-year-old has scored 214 runs so far.

If the players miss out, Pakistan have a backup wicketkeeper in Sarfaraz Ahmed. The management can also promote Fakhar Zaman to open the innings. However, the Men in Green are optimistic about Malik and Rizwan’s participation in the semis.