The Babar Azam-led Men in Green have been a bit unlucky in this World Cup and are certainly missing young pacer Naseem Shah, who is a key element of Pakistan’s arguably top-flight bowling attack.
The youngster has been ruled out of Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2023, currently underway in India, due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. However, his teammate Mohammad Wasim Jr — who is also a fast bowler and part of Pakistan’s squad at the big event — revealed that Naseem was playing a role in the team’s World Cup campaign even in his absence.
In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday, Wasim said Naseem’s tips proved useful in matches against South Africa and Bangladesh.
“We definitely miss Naseem Shah. I spoke to Naseem before Pakistan’s match against South Africa as well as Bangladesh. He advised me on how to bowl on these pitches which helped me. Naseem’s advice was really helpful for me,” said Wasim.
The 22-year-old has picked five wickets in two matches of the ongoing 2023 World Cup. He took 2-50 against South Africa and 3-31 against Bangladesh.
While Naseem is undergoing rehabilitation, Hasan Ali has replaced him in Pakistan’s World Cup squad.
The youngster suffered a shoulder injury at the 2023 Asia Cup and is expected to be sidelined for a long time.
As for Pakistan, South Africa defeated New Zealand by 190 runs in the 32nd match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 in Pune on Wednesday, helping the Green Shirts’ cause during the mega event.
The Proteas’ win helped Pakistan’s chances slightly as Babar and Co’s road to the World Cup semi-final remains a difficult one with many hurdles in between.
As it is necessary for Pakistan to win their remaining matches, in an ideal scenario, the Green Shirts should beat New Zealand in the next game and hope that the Black Caps lose to Sri Lanka.
If the Blackcaps lose their matches, they would finish the group stage with eight points and Pakistan can qualify for the knockout stage with 10 points if they win their next two opponents.
The remaining matches of ICC World Cup Pakistan 2023
- 4 November – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (match of the day)
- November 11 – v England in Calcutta
The day’s matches will begin at 10:00 AM. Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night matches starting at 1:30 PM (PST).
If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Kolkata.
If India qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Mumbai unless they play Pakistan, in which case they will play in Kolkata.
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