Asia Cup: Pakistan call Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups for Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf

Pakistan have added Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan to the Pakistan squad for the ongoing Asia Cup after Harish Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up injuries. The pacer duo picked up niggles in the Super 4 match against India and hence, their participation in the remainder of the Asia Cup has been rendered doubtful.

Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan called as backups

According to the Pakistan team management, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan have been called up as back-ups for Rauf and Naseem in their Asia Cup squad. A statement from the team said, “Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups. The two have been called up after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India.” It added, “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 Pakistan team management informed that both would be monitored under the observation of the team’s medical panel. “Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel. The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days,” the statement added.

What happened?

Haris Rauf had bowled five overs on Sunday against India and then felt a discomfort in the right flank. He was not seen bowling further or come out to bat against India on the reserve day i.e on Monday. Naseem despite completing his quota of 10 overs was seen leaving the field in the 49^th over of India’s innings on Monday. He also did not bat during the chase and Pakistan’s innings ended at 128/8. Reportedly, he has possibly suffered an injury to his bowling shoulder.

Pakistan are scheduled to play their next match against Sri Lanka on Thursday. The final of the Asia Cup is scheduled to be played on Sunday, September 17.