Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan call backup pacers after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah injuries during IND vs PAK match

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Asia Cup 2023: After injuries to their premier pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, Pakistan have taken a precautionary measure and called up backup pacers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan ahead of their must-win match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Haris Rauf did not take field Rauf on the reserve day of Pakistan’s Super Four match against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed that Rauf had "pulled an oblique muscle". The bowler felt discomfort discomfort in his right flank.

Naseem Shah, the most effective Pakistan bowler in the match, left the field after bowling two deliveries in the 49th over of the match. The 20-year-old, who registered figures of 0/53 in 9.2 overs, felt discomfort in his bowling shoulder.

Both the players did not come out to bat as Pakistan lost their eighth and final wicket at the score of 128 to lose the match against India by a whopping 228-run margin.

"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," PCB said in a statement.

"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.

"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.

Dahani has played two ODI matches for Pakistan, while 22-year-old express pacer Zaman is yet to make his debut in the format. Pakistan will have to win their last Super Fours match against Sri Lanka by a good margin to fancy a chance in the final on Sunday.