Pakistan's playing XI for their must-win Super Four match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday (Sep 14) was announced. Surprisingly, opener Fakhar Zaman was dropped. Throughout the Asia Cup, he has struggled with consistency, scoring only 61 runs at an average of 20.33 and a top score of 27.
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Although Fakhar hasn't managed to score big in the Asia Cup, he showed great form earlier in the year by scoring three consecutive ODI centuries against New Zealand. Currently, he is ranked in the top 10 in the MRF Tyres ODI Batter Rankings. However, Pakistan had to make this tough call given their position in the Asia Cup 2023 points table.
The left-handed opener has been replaced by 22-year-old Mohammad Haris, as Pakistan makes five changes in preparation for their crucial Super Four matchup against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
A number of injuries led to several changes in Pakistan's selection. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Agha Salman were all absent, while Fakhar and Faheem Ashraf were both omitted. There is a high chance that Fakhar will return to the Pakistan XI for the ODI World Cup given his reputation.
Mohammad Nawaz, a fellow all-rounder, will directly replace Ashraf. Meanwhile, Mohammad Wasim and Zaman Khan have a chance to showcase their abilities alongside the pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi. This opportunity comes in the absence of Naseem and Rauf. Saud Shakeel will take over Agha Salman's place.
Pakistan needs to defeat Sri Lanka to book a place in this year's Asia Cup decider against India. Sri Lanka had a better net run rate over Pakistan and even a washout will give them a place in the Asia Cup Final alongside India!
Pakistan's playing XI against Sri Lanka: Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Zaman Khan
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