Rawalpindi: Sept 13: The Asia Cup super 4 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has become do and die for both teams. Pakistan has announced the final 11 for the important match against Sri Lanka.
In order to compete against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup final, Pakistan must win the match against Sri Lanka being played today (Thursday).
If today’s match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is rained out, then both the teams will get one point each and Sri Lanka will qualify for the final due to better run rate.
The Pakistani team had faced the worst defeat by India in the last match, but they defeated Bangladesh in the first match of super 4.
India has qualified for the final by defeating Sri Lanka by 41 runs.
India’s win has eased the calculation for Pakistan and now all they have to do is win the match against Sri Lanka without worrying about the run rate.
A total of 5 changes have been made in the team. Naseem Shah, who suffered an injury in the match against India, has been ruled out of the Asia Cup and Zaman Khan has been included in the squad in his place for the crucial march against Sri Lanka.
After Pakistan’s worst defeat in the match against India and injuries to two fast bowlers, major changes were decided. A few changes were forced for the match due to injuries to the players, while one change was made in view of a possible spin wicket.
Apart from Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr. has also been included in the final XI, who will replace Haris Rauf. Apart from this, Salman Ali Agha, who was injured due to a ball hitting his face in the match against traditional rival, will also not be able to participate in the match and Saud Shakeel will be seen in action in his place.
In view of possible spin wicket in the match against Sri Lanka, Mohammad Nawaz has been included in the team instead of Faheem Ashraf. Opener Fakhrzaman, who has been performing poorly in the last few matches, has been left out due to being out of form and young batsman Mohammad Haris has been made a part of the team in his place. The Pakistani team for the match consists of these players.
Babar Azam (captain), Muhammad Haris, Imamul Haq, Muhammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Zaman Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan had earlier included fast bowler Zaman Khan in the 17-member squad for the Asia Cup in place of Naseem Shah, who was suffering from injury problems.
The PCB statement said that Zaman Khan joined the team this morning and will train with the team at the Colombo Stadium this evening.
The winner of today’s match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face India in the final of the Asia Cup.