Asia Cup, Pak vs SL: Pakistan reveal their Playing 11 for a must-win game

With a spot in Asia Cup 2023 in sight, Pakistan announced their playing XI for the Super Four match against Sri Lanka at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Wednesday (September 13). But they rejiged the Playing 11 ahead of the toss as Imam-ul-haq has complained of back spasms before the toss.

The 'Men in Green" were forced to make key changes in their bowling department after Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf were ruled out from the tie due to injuries.

Asia Cup final: IND vs SL Playing 11 live updates Colombo weather forecast streaming

Mohammad Wasim Jr has replaced Naseem, while Zaman Khan has reparislaced H Rauf. 

Naseem injured his right shoulder during the Asia Cup Super Four match against India.

Pakistan's final Playing XI vs Sri Lanka: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Mohammad Haris, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan

Pakistan (Playing XI) announced on eve of the match: Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan.

Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka Playing 11 vs Pakistan
 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released an official statement to announce the absence of Naseem, which read, "Right-arm fast bowler Zaman Khan has replaced Naseem Shah in Pakistan's 17-player squad for the ongoing Men's ODI Asia Cup 2023. Zaman joined the team in the morning today and will train with the squad at the RPICS in the evening."

"He continues to be monitored by the team's medical panel that is taking all necessary precautions keeping in mind the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023," the PCB statement further read.

Experienced pacer Haris Rauf didn't bowl a single over in the game against India on reserve day as a "precautionary measure".

Rauf is recovering well after feeling discomfort in his right flank. Team doctor Sohail Saleem talked about the injury situation of both pacers and said as quoted from the PCB statement, "These two fast bowlers are our assets and the team's medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup."

Who is Zaman Khan?

Zaman Khan is a professional cricketer from Pakistan. He was born on September 10, 2001. He made his international debut on 24 March 2023 against Afghanistan.

FORMAT	Mat	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Ave	Econ	SR	4w
T20I	6	117	130	4	1-7	1-7	32.5	6.66	29.2	0
List A	7	312	333	6	2-47	2-47	55.5	6.4	52	0
T20	68	1400	1939	86	4-16	4-16	22.5	8.31	16.2	2

*source: Espncricinfo.com

(With agencies inputs)