Naseem Shah ruled out of Asia Cup 2023

Colombo: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday, and has been replaced by backup pace bowler Zaman Khan ahead of Pakistan’s final Super 4 match against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

Naseem Shah developed a niggle and did not bowl his full allotted number of overs against India in the Super 4. In the second innings, he and fellow bowler Haris Rauf did not come out to bat.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) then summoned up backup pacers Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani.

“This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month,” the statement by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday.

The team's medical staff will continue to monitor Haris and Naseem, according to the statement.

The statement concluded, "The team management would only ask for a replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the upcoming week.

Haris Rauf's health is getting better, and he will remain in Sri Lanka with the group.

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah each have nine wickets in the competition, which ties them for the most wickets taken.

Zaman Khan, a backup fast bowler, arrived in Colombo today and checked into a hotel with the team. Shahnawaz is still awaiting his visa but will fly to Colombo on the next flight out as soon as it is approved.

Tomorrow at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their final Super 4 game.

This match will serve as a virtual semi-final, as the winner of this contest will face India in the final of Asia Cup 2023.

India has qualified for the final of Asia Cup 2023 after handing Pakistan a 228-run thrashing in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday’s reserve day, and following it up with a thrilling 41-run victory over Sri Lanka yesterday.

Notably, the Sri Lanka would join India in the Asia Cup final of 2023 if the crucial match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is postponed due to a superior net run rate.