Tag: Asia Cup 2023

COLOMBO: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday, announced Pakistan’s Playing XI for their final Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s fixture against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan team made five changes to the side which suffered a massive 228-run loss against arch-rivals India on Monday.

Injured pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are replaced by Mohammad Wasim Jr and Zaman Khan, whereas, opening batter Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha are replaced by Mohammad Haris and Saud Shakeel. All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz also returns in place of Faheem Ashraf, after missing out previous two Super 4 games.

Our playing XI for the #PAKvSL match 🇵🇰#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/lhT5Vl8RtX

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 13, 2023

The Playing XI features Pakistan captain Babar Azam, his deputy Shadab Khan, Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi, and Zaman Khan.

Pace bowler Zaman Khan replaced Naseem Shah in the squad after the latter was ruled of the Asia Cup 2023. Zaman Khan was named as backup pacer along with Shahnawaz Dahani on Monday after fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India.

Pakistan will play their last Super 4 match tomorrow against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

This match will serve as a virtual semi-final, as the winner of this contest will face India in the final of Asia Cup 2023.

Notably, if the all-important clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka gets washed out then Sri Lanka will join India in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 due to a superior net run rate.

READ: Afghanistan announce squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2023

COLOMBO: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday, and has been replaced by backup pace bowler Zaman Khan ahead of Pakistan’s final Super 4 match against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

Naseem Shah injured his right shoulder during the match against India. 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.

Haris Rauf, who did not bowl on the reserve day of the PAK vs IND contest as a precautionary measure, continues to recover well after he felt discomfort in his right flank on the first day of the match.

Team doctor Sohail Saleem: “These two fast bowlers [Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf] are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup.”

Zaman Khan joined the team in Colombo today and will train with the squad at the RPICS in the evening, while Shahnawaz Dahani will join the team on Thursday morning.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani as backup pacers on Monday after the conclusion of the game against India.

“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,” the statement by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday.

The statement noted that 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,” it concluded.

Haris Rauf is the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with nine wickets, while Naseem Shah has picked up seven wickets.

Pakistan will play their last Super 4 match tomorrow against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

This match will serve as a virtual semi-final, as the winner of this contest will face India in the final of Asia Cup 2023.

India has qualified for the final of Asia Cup 2023 after handing Pakistan a 228-run thrashing in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday’s reserve day, and following it up with a thrilling 41-run victory over Sri Lanka yesterday.

Notably, if the all-important clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka gets washed out then Sri Lanka will join India in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 due to a superior net run rate.

READ: Pakistan head coach Bradburn ‘grateful’ for India wake-up call ahead of World Cup

Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim will skip the team’s Super 4 match against India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 to spend time with his wife and newborn daughter, the cricket board said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh is already out of the race for the Asia Cup 2023 final on September 17 after India defeated Sri Lanka by 41 runs in Colombo on Tuesday, in the tournament that is a prelude to the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

Mushfiqur had returned to Bangladesh for the birth of his second child, born on Monday.

He was initially expected to rejoin the team for the Super 4 match against India in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo. He will now remain in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said.

“Mushfiqur has informed us that his wife is still recovering, and he needs to be by her side and with their children,” BCB operations chief Mohammed Jalal Yunus.

“We fully understand his situation, and have decided to permit him to skip the game.”

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who also returned home with Mushfiqur after their defeat against Sri Lanka on September 9, rejoined the team in Colombo on Wednesday.

Musfiqur Rahim has scored 131 runs at an average of 32.75 in the tournament including a 64 against Pakistan.

They will wrap up their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with the India game, before preparing for a three-match series against New Zealand at home next week.

READ: Shubman Gill closes gap with Babar Azam in ICC ODI Batting Rankings

COLOMBO: Pace bowler Zaman Khan has reached Colombo on Wednesday to join the Pakistan squad ahead of their final Super 4 stage match of the ongoing ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka on September 14.

Zaman Khan was included in the Pakistan squad as the backup pacer along with Shahnawaz Dahani after fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India.

“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,” the statement by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

The statement noted that 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,” it concluded.

Zaman Khan departed from Lahore and joined the team at the hotel in Colombo, while Shahnawaz is awaiting his visa and will reach Colombo by the next available flight as soon as he gets the visa.

Pakistan will play their last Super 4 match tomorrow against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

This match will serve as a virtual semi-final, as the winner of this contest will face India in the final of Asia Cup 2023.

India has qualified for the final of Asia Cup 2023 after handing Pakistan a 228-run thrashing in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday’s reserve day, and following it up with a thrilling 41-run victory over Sri Lanka yesterday.

Notably, if the all-important clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka gets washed out then Sri Lanka will join India in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 due to a superior net run rate.

READ: Pakistan head coach Bradburn ‘grateful’ for India wake-up call ahead of World Cup

COLOMBO: Kuldeep Yadav once again spearheaded India’s bowling attack with a four-fer and powered his side into the Asia Cup 2023 final with a 41-run victory over Sri Lanka.

India’s 41-run victory marked the end of Sri Lanka’s 13-match winning streak while also boasting Pakistan’s chances to qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 final.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka, both with two points each in as many matches will now engage in a virtual semi-final on Thursday.

Notably, if the all-important clash gets washed out then Sri Lanka will join India in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 due to a superior net run rate.

In a low-scoring thriller on Tuesday, Sri Lanka were set to chase a modest 214-run target but the home side could manage 172 in reply despite a fighting knock by Dunith Wellalage.

Sri Lanka had a deplorable start to their run chase as they lost three wickets for just 25 runs in the eighth over, courtesy of a dominating opening spell by Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Sadeera Samarawickrama then put together a brief 43-run partnership with Dhananjaya de Silva before falling to India’s star with the ball Kuldeep Yadav. He played a cautious 17-run knock including a boundary.

Sri Lanka then lost two more wickets in quick succession and consequently slipped to 99/6 in 25.1 overs.

Dhananjaya de Silva and Dunith Wellalage then put together a crucial 63-run partnership to bring Sri Lanka back into the game.

The home side were in a solid position before Dhananjaya de Silva threw away his wicket while charging on Ravindra Jadeja in the 38th over when Sri Lanka still needed 52 runs.

Dhananjaya de Silva scored a sensible 41 off 66 deliveries, laced with five boundaries.

Following his dismissal, Sri Lanka lost wickets at an alarming rate and were soon bundled out on 172 in the 42nd over.

Dunith Wellalage remained stranded at the crease with an unbeaten 46-ball 42.

Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling attack for India with 4/43, followed by Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah, taking two wickets each while Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya had a wicket apiece to their names.

Opting to bat first, India could put a paltry 213 on the board before being bundled out in the final over despite their skipper Rohit Sharma’s half-century.

India fuelled with momentum courtesy of their monumental 228-run victory over Pakistan in the previous Asia Cup 2023 fixture on Monday, got off to a flying start with an 80-run opening stand.

Skipper Sharma dominated the first-wicket partnership, India’s highest in the match, with a brisk knock.

Meanwhile, his opening partner Shubman Gill, who was struggling to get going finally perished in the 12th over after a scratchy 19-run knock which came off 25 deliveries.

Dunith Wellalage then turned the game on its head when he removed star batter Virat Kohli (3) and Rohit Sharma in his successive overs as India slipped to 91/3.

Rohit remained the top-scorer for India with a 48-ball 53 which featured seven boundaries and two sixes.

Following the slump, India’s centurion, in their last Asia Cup 2023 fixture, KL Rahul and in-form Ishan Kishan anchored the innings with a 63-run partnership before Wellalage struck again.

The left-arm spinner dismissed Rahul caught and bowled to draw a much-needed success for Sri Lanka. Rahul scored a cautious 61-ball 33 with the help of one boundary and a six.

Wellalage’s spin bowling partner Charith Asalanka then added further to the misery of India as he soon got rid of Ishan Kishan to leave India reeling at 170/5.

Kishan could score 39 off 44, hitting two boundaries.

India’s lower order appeared clueless against the spin-packed Sri Lankan bowling attack as the home side seized control by restricting India to 186/9 in 42.2 overs.

All-rounder Axar Patel and number 11 Mohammed Siraj then added a valuable 27 runs amid their 10th wicket partnership before the former mistimed one off Maheesh Theekshana on the first delivery of the final over.

Axar played an important 26-run knock in 36 deliveries while Siraj scored five not out.

Dunith Wellalage spearheaded Sri Lanka’s bowling attack in the 10th Asia Cup 2023 fixture with a five-wicket haul, followed by Charith Asalanka’s 4/18 while Theekshana made one scalp.

READ: Shahid Afridi named in Pakistan Squad for Over 40s Cricket Global Cup

COLOMBO: India have won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the tenth match of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

PLAYING XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Overall ODIs: Matches 165, Sri Lanka 96, India 57, NR 11, Tied 1

Asia Cup ODI: Matches 19, Sri Lanka 10, India 9

READ: ‘Fresh’ Sri Lanka confident against India in Asia Cup 2023

COLOMBO: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Monday that Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan have been added as backup pacers for the Asia Cup 2023 remainder.

According to a statement issued by the PCB, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan have been called up as backup pacers after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in match against India.

“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,” the statement said.

The statement noted that 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,” it concluded.

Pakistan suffered a blow when officials said fast bowler Haris Rauf had suffered a strain and would take no further part. Later fellow quick Naseem Shah also walked off with some discomfort to his hand.

It is pertinent to mention here that Virat Kohli and returning KL Rahul hit unbeaten centuries to lead India’s 228-run thrashing of Pakistan in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday’s reserve day.

Kohli (122) and Rahul (111) put together 233 runs as India reached 356-2, a total defended after they bowled out Pakistan for 128 in the 50-over contest in Colombo.

Pakistan ended on 128-8 in 32 overs with injured bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah not turning out to bat. India spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 5-25.

READ: All-round India humble Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s clash

Sri Lanka will come in “fresh” for an Asia Cup Super Four clash against India likely to be playing for a third consecutive day, their coach said Monday.

India’s match against arch-rivals Pakistan spilt over into a reserve day on Monday after only 24.1 overs, with the 50-over contest acting as a prelude to their big battle in the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Dasun Shanaka’s Sri Lanka, who won the last edition of the Asia Cup — played in the T20 format — began their Super Four with a win over Bangladesh on Saturday. Another victory would improve their chances of making the final on September 17.

“With a team like India, you never know, but obviously they are playing three days in a row,” assistant coach Naveed Nawaz told reporters. “We have got a bit of a break since the last game, so the boys are fresh for tomorrow. That can be good for us.”

Sri Lanka remain unbeaten in the tournament after winning both their group matches while India are still searching for their first win in the Super Four stage.

“If we plan to play good cricket, if we execute our plans and go into the best version of ourselves in the middle against India — obviously the result will be favourable for us,” Nawaz said.

Only India have won more Asia Cup titles than Sri Lanka, who have often spoiled the India-Pakistan party in the final.

In the last edition, they beat Pakistan to lift the title in Dubai.

“Our boys are very resilient when it comes to handling pressure,” said Nawaz, pointing out that Sri Lanka have been without some of their first-choice players in the past two editions of the tournament.

One name to watch out for is up-and-coming fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.

The 20-year-old has made an impression with his slinging action and toe-crushing yorkers similar to his hero Lasith Malinga.

Pathirana shone for MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings as they captured this year’s Indian Premier League title.

“I am sure MS and Chennai would have played a part in his development, but Pathirana is a product of Sri Lanka cricket,” said Nawaz, when asked about Dhoni’s part in brushing up Pathirana.

“He has played two Under-19 World Cups with us, he has been an identified product, and he has been in the development programmes of Sri Lanka Cricket.”

READ: All-round India humble Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s clash

COLOMBO: Virat Kohli and KL Rahul’s unbeaten centuries, followed by Kuldeep Yadav’s five-fer led India to a massive 228-run victory over Pakistan in the high-octane PAK vs IND clash of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Monday.

Pakistan had a mountain to climb to book their spot in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 as they were set to chase a mammoth 357 against India.

The hosts after getting off to a dismal start, lost wickets at an alarming rate before being bundled out for a paltry 128 in 32 overs and thus India launched their Super 4s campaign with a resounding victory.

Out-of-form opener Fakhar Zaman remained the top-scorer for Pakistan amid their dismal batting show with a scratchy 27 off 50 deliveries with the help of two boundaries.

After Fakhar, the next-best contributors for Pakistan were Salman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed, who scored 23 each, followed by their skipper Babar Azam (10).

Besides them, none of their batters could make it to the double figures and Pakistan, consequently could raise 128 for the loss of eight wickets.

Since, their pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah were not fit to bat, Pakistan were deemed bowled out for a skimpy total.

Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling attack for India in the high-octane PAK vs IND clash with a five-wicket haul, which came at the cost of just 25 runs.

Whereas, Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur and returning Jasprit Bumrah contributed with one wicket apiece.

Virat Kohli scored a brilliant 122 off 94 balls, laced with nine boundaries and three sixes. He scored his 47th ODI century, second most ODI centuries and completed his 13000 ODI runs, becoming only the fifth player to do so.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul made his return to competitive cricket in style after getting injured during the Indian Premier League in April-May. He scored 111 runs off 106 balls with the help of 12 boundaries and two sixes.

KL Rahul (17*) and Virat Kohli (8*) resumed their innings at 147 and continued their domination against Pakistani bowlers on the reserve day after the highly-anticipated PAK vs IND clash was postponed yesterday to the reserve day after persistent rain denied play on Sunday.

Notably, Pakistan entered the ground without their injured ace fast bowler Haris Rauf and was forced to bowl Iftikhar Ahmed, who gave away 52 runs in 5.2 overs.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam put India into bat after winning the toss yesterday in the high-octane PAK vs IND clash.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a flying start with a magnificent 121-run partnership. The pair dominated Pakistan’s bowling attack including their pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

Both Gill and Sharma, who struggled against the trio in the previous PAK vs IND clash on September 2, made a sensational comeback.

The duo frustrated Pakistan bowlers before Shadab Khan finally struck in his third over, removing Sharma, soon after he amassed his half-century.

Rohit Sharma smashed six boundaries and four sixes on his way to a brisk 49-ball 56.

Gill, on the other hand, soon followed the footsteps of his captain and walked back to the pavilion in the next over after being outdone by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s slower delivery.

He scored a 52-ball 58 which featured 10 boundaries.

Following the back-to-back blows, star batter Virat Kohli and returning KL Rahul batted cautiously amid their unbeaten 24-run partnership for the third wicket before rain interrupted the PAK vs IND clash yesterday.

They resumed cautiously on the reserve day before shifting gears in the latter overs.

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli knitted a magnificent unbeaten partnership of 233 runs in 194 balls to decimate the Pakistani bowling lineup.

Pakistani star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi picked one wicket and gave away 79 runs in his ten overs, while Shadab Khan picked 1 wicket for 71 runs.

READ: Asia Cup 2023: Haris Rauf ruled out of PAK vs IND clash

COLOMBO: Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been ruled out of the PAK vs IND clash of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

“Haris Rauf will not be bowling any further in the Asia Cup Super 4 match against India as a precautionary measure. He felt a little discomfort in his right flank during the match yesterday,” the PCB said in a brief statement.

“He was subsequently taken for a precautionary MRI, which revealed no tear. He is under the observation of the team’s medical panel.”

Haris Rauf gave away 27 runs in his five wicketless overs against India yesterday before rain played spoilsport.

The highly-anticipated PAK vs IND clash was postponed yesterday to the reserve day after persistent rain denied play on Sunday.

When the rain intervened, India had raced to 147/2 in 24.1 overs with KL Rahul (17*) and Virat Kohli (8*) at the crease. They will resume India’s first innings today.

Earlier, after being put into bat first in the high-octane PAK vs IND clash, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a flying start with a magnificent 121-run partnership.

The pair dominated Pakistan’s bowling attack including their pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

Both Gill and Sharma, who struggled against the trio in the previous PAK vs IND clash on September 2, made a sensational comeback.

The duo frustrated Pakistan bowlers before Shadab Khan finally struck in his third over, removing Sharma, soon after he amassed his half-century.

Rohit Sharma smashed six boundaries and four sixes on his way to a brisk 49-ball 56.

Gill, on the other hand, soon followed the footsteps of his captain and walked back to the pavilion in the next over after being outdone by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s slower delivery.

He scored a 52-ball 58 which featured 10 boundaries.

Following the back-to-back blows, star batter Virat Kohli and returning KL Rahul batted cautiously amid their unbeaten 24-run partnership for the third wicket before rain interrupted the PAK vs IND clash.

After the dark clouds scattered and the rain finally decided to ease out, the umpires carried out several field inspections and opted not to resume the action due to a wet outfield.

Sri Lankan groundsmen made desperate efforts to dry out the wet areas by using sponges and fans and when they apparently got the situation under control, rain returned and eventually forced the match to be decided on the reserve day.

READ: New Zealand unveil squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2023