PAK vs AUS: Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Pakistan vs Australia clash, star middle-order batter also doubtful

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PAK vs AUS: Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of Pakistan's clash against Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, October 20, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed.

The left-hand opener is being treated for a knee injury and is expected to be available for selection next week. Pakistan will be facing Afghanistan in MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, October 23.

Fakhar Zaman has also struggled with his form lately and was replaced in the eleven by Abdullah Shafique. However, a fit Fakhar Zaman could have replaced Imam-ul-Haq - the third opener in the team. Imam has crossed the 20-run mark in only one of his last four ODI innings. Zaman featured in the first match against Netherlands but could score only 12 runs.

Further, Cricket Pakistan has reported that Salman Agha developed fever after Wednesday's training session and is recovering from it. The Babar Azam-led side got hit by flu, with a number of players arriving in Bengaluru with illness and fever. According to reports, pacer Shaheen Afridi, middle-order batter Saud Shakeel and opener Abdullah Shafique were among the players to fall sick.

However, all except Salman are doing well and are expected to be available for selection on Friday. There is also a chance of Usama Mir walking in the eleven as a specialist spinner.

Pakistan won their first two matches before losing to India by seven wickets in Ahmedabad last Saturday. They are currently occupying the fourth spot in the 10-team World Cup 2023 points table.