The upcoming clash against South Africa on October 27, in the 2023 ODI World Cup, will be without Pakistan’s star fast bowler, Hasan Ali. This significant setback is due to his unfortunate illness, specifically a fever, which has prevented him from participating in the team’s training session on Thursday. Nevertheless, there is optimism that he will make a full recovery and be available for the remaining matches in the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed that Hasan Ali has been advised to rest, prioritizing his long-term fitness and availability for the World Cup. In his absence, the bowling all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Jr. is expected to step in as a replacement. The crucial match is scheduled to take place at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Hasan Ali has been a crucial component of Pakistan’s campaign in the World Cup, having secured eight wickets in five games, with his best performance being 4/71 against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad. His economy rate has been respectable, conceding runs at an average of 5.82 per over.
It’s worth noting that Hasan Ali’s inclusion in the squad was a last-minute decision to replace the injured Naseem Shah, a move that surprised many who expected other players like Zaman Khan to be given preference. However, the 29-year-old fast bowler has not disappointed and is second only to Shaheen Shah Afridi in terms of the highest wicket-takers in the tournament.
Pakistan’s performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 has been mixed, with only two wins out of five matches, against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. They faced defeats at the hands of India, Afghanistan, and Australia, which has complicated their chances of reaching the semi-finals. To remain in contention, Babar Azam and his team must win their upcoming matches against South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Consequently, they must give their best efforts during the remainder of the league stage to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.