Pakistan Suffers Major Setback After Asia Cup Elimination as Star Pacer Is Predicted to Miss ODI World Cup Opening

Pakistan was severely pummeled and humiliated after they were ousted from the Asia Cup 2023. With just a few weeks to the start of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, they have been dealt a serious injury worry after a string of demoralizing losses.

In a virtual semifinal for the Asia Cup on Thursday, Pakistan was defeated by Sri Lanka in a last-ball thriller.

If the tournament’s outcome wasn’t tragic enough, two of Pakistan’s fast bowlers, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, have also sustained injuries.

During Pakistan’s Super 4 match against India, Rauf and Naseem both sustained injuries.

Rauf has a little difficulty, but he should recover quickly. With Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam implying that the young bowler may need some time to completely recuperate before the ODI World Cup, Naseem is the main cause for worry.

In the last over of his over against India, Naseem pulled out halfway through his delivery and was thus disqualified from the Asia Cup. He is in Dubai for tests and is said to have a muscle issue below his right shoulder.

Babar was reported as responding, “I’ll tell you later,” when asked about Pakistan’s Plan B in the event that Naseem and Rauf are unable to play in the first few world cup games, according to ESPNcricinfo.

“I’m not going to tell you about our backup plan right now. But Haris Rauf is really rather good. He just has a little side injury, but he is recuperating in time for the World Cup. Naseem Shah likewise They have missed a few games; I’m not sure how long the rehabilitation will take, but in my view, Naseem Shah will also play in the World Cup in the future. Let’s just see, he said.

In a game that was postponed due to rain on Thursday, Sri Lanka won by two wickets after chasing down 252 off the penultimate ball. Sri Lanka will now play India in the championship match on Sunday.

“Sri Lanka performed incredibly well; they were superior to us in cricket, which is why they won. We lost because our bowling and fielding weren’t up to par, according to Babar.

“We are not bowling well in the middle overs…Although we are beginning and ending well, we are not picking up wickets in the middle overs, he said.