Dahani, Zaman called in after Haris, Naseem suffer ‘niggles’

LAHORE: In an announcement made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan have been summoned to join the Asia Cup squad as a response to injuries sustained by pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah during the match against India.

In the Super Four clash of the Asia Cup held on a reserve day, India’s Virat Kohli and KL Rahul achieved remarkable, unbeaten centuries, leading their team to a comprehensive 228-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected encounter in Colombo on Monday.

Kohli scored 122 runs, while Rahul contributed 111, establishing a formidable partnership of 233 runs, ultimately guiding India to a total of 356-2. Their dominant batting performance was complemented by India’s bowlers, who dismissed Pakistan for just 128 runs in the 50-over game. Pakistan’s innings concluded at 128-8 in 32 overs, with injured bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah not taking part in the batting lineup. India’s spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed impressive figures of 5-25.

Following the game, Coach Bradburn addressed the media, describing the defeat as a “timely reminder” for the team to regroup and prepare for the upcoming World Cup next month.

The PCB, in a press release issued on Tuesday, explained that the call-up of Dahani and Zaman was necessitated by injuries sustained by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah in the match against India. Rauf suffered a strain on Sunday and did not participate in the match when play resumed on the second day. Later in the match, Naseem left the field with hand discomfort. The PCB emphasized that these measures were taken as a precaution to ensure the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month, with both Haris and Naseem remaining under the observation of the team’s medical panel.

The PCB also noted that they would only request replacements from the ACC technical committee if Haris or Naseem are unable to play for the next seven days.