The Cricket World Cup 2023 is just a few weeks away and the groups are within the ultimate phases of their preparation. For the Asian groups, the Asia Cup introduced an excellent alternative to check the mettle and mixture in opposition to the easiest. Nevertheless, for the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket group the Asia Cup got here as a dampener. First, they misplaced their rights to be the complete hosts of the continental occasion. Then they completed final the Tremendous 4 stage of the Asia Cup after losses to India and Sri Lanka. Now, their star pacer Naseem Shah is prone to miss the Cricket World Cup for an harm that he suffered throughout the Asia Cup Tremendous 4 match in opposition to India.
In keeping with a report within the ESPN Cricinfo, scans on the quick bowler’s proper shoulder have indicated that he is probably not slot in time for the Cricket World Cup. The report additional added that if the secondary scan outcomes is much like the preliminary scan, then Naseem will likely be on a size injury-induced break.
Naseem had walked off the sector within the forty sixth over within the Tremendous 4 recreation in opposition to India. He didn’t come out out bat.
Pakistan’s hopes of clinching the Asia Cup 2023 title had been crushed on Thursday because the Babar Azam-led facet misplaced a must-win match in opposition to Sri Lanka. Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 252/7 in 42 overs (on account of rain) Mohammad Rizwan scoring an unbeaten 86. Nevertheless, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka‘s fiery batting efficiency, took Sri Lanka throughout the road on the final ball of the match, with two wickets in palms. After the heartbreaking elimination, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi criticised their poor group choice.
Afridi lashed out at Pakistan’s administration for not experimenting with their line-up and never benching gamers Shadab Khan, who’re unable to ship their finest performances.
“That is an age-old downside. India are enjoying in Asia Cup, I’ve seen adjustments in virtually each recreation of their group. They’ve rested seniors, performed juniors, it exhibits that they’re making ready for the World Cup. These choices are essential, you choose a 15-member squad as a result of the gamers are bench are nearly as good as these in XI. You should not have an issue with resting the first-choice gamers,” Afridi stated on Samaa TV.
“If Shadab is rested, Osama Mir is there. He has carried out nicely for Pakistan up to now. If somebody is not performing in fairly some matches, it’s best to relaxation him. I am not saying that drop him from the 15-member squad, you’ll be able to maintain him within the group and nonetheless relaxation him. Let him have periods with head coach and bowling coach. I do not know what are our plans, actually,” he added.
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