Shoaib, Rizwan likely to play despite being sick ahead of 2nd semi-final

Dubai: Pakistan’s middle-order batter Shoaib Malik and star opener Mohammad Rizwan are now feeling well and are likely to play in the 2nd semi-final of the T20 World Cup against Australia at Dubai International Stadium today.

The duo woke up on Wednesday with mild fever and was initially advised to delay training and then went on to miss training altogether. 

Team manager Mansoor Rana said that both cricketers are feeling better and it is likely that they will play the T20 World Cup semi-final match against Kangaroos. 

“We hope both players are in action today. They want to play in the semi-finals, “said Rana.

The pair have played an integral role for Pakistan in the ongoing tournament. 

Earlier, Covid-19 tests were carried out and both returned negative, however, the team doctor, Dr. Najeeb Soomro, has advised them to rest. 

This will be Pakistan's fifth appearance in the T20 WC semifinals. 

Pakistan Squad

Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, Mohammad Wasim, and Sarfaraz Ahmed

Australia Squad

Aaron Finch(c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Swepson, and Josh Inglis