With the determination to avenge their opening defeat at the hands of the Men in Blue, Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India once again in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter of the Asia Cup Super 4 stage at Dubai International Cricket Stadium today (Sunday).
\nThe match is scheduled to start at 7pm Pakistan time.
\nIn a massive blow for Pakistan, pacer Shahnawaz Dahani will not be available to play in the Men in Green’s third match of the tournament against India due to injury.
\nBoth Hasan Ali and Mohammad Hasnain have been asked to get ready for Sunday’s match as either one of them is expected to fill in for Dahani.
\nDahani sustained an injury while bowling in the match against Hong Kong in Sharjah on Friday.
\nAs is the case with any suspected side strain injury, a medical team will monitor him for the next 48-72 hours, following which they will make decisions, including carrying out a scan and further participation in the tournament.
\nInitial reports suggest that the injury to the bowler is not serious. \u201cYet, it would not be wise to consider him for selection in the playing eleven against India,\u201d an official said.
\nWhen asked who would be his likely replacement, the official said that it could well be Hasan or Hasnain. \u201cWe will take the decision only on Sunday according to our requirements.\u201d
\nDahani\u2019s replacement is the only change expected from the Pakistan team that played against Hong Kong Friday at Sharjah.
\nIndia will be without their ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been ruled out of the Asia Cup with a knee problem. He was the mainstay of India’s innings during their pool victory against Pakistan. His absence will mean that India will not only be looking for bowlers’ options, but they will also be having to fill in his place as a batsman.
\nEven before the start of the tournament, both sides had injury concerns. Pakistan were without Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr, whereas India were without Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel.
\nHowever, the absence of these players will not reduce the competitiveness between the two sides who will be aiming for an early advantage in their quest to make it to the final. A victory by either side on Sunday will be a big boost to their chances of making it to the final of the Asia Cup.
\nPakistan definitely are looking forward to avenging a close defeat that they suffered last Sunday. Following the thumping win against Hong Kong the other day, Pakistan will go into today’s match with a bigger heart and confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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