In a major blow, Pakistan are likely to miss in-form cricketer Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik, who are down with flu, in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 semifinal clash against Australia on Thursday.
According to a report in Geo TV, both Malik and Rizwan did not turn up for practice on the eve of the semifinal due to flu. Both of them have tested negative for Covid-19, however, the doctor has advised them to rest.
And today @iMRizwanPak surpassed @imVkohli and became the batsman with highest T20i average i.e 52.66
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 2, 2021
Incidentally, both Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik are an integral part of Pakistan’s setup. They have played crucial roles as Pakistan made it to the semifinal undefeated. Rizwan is in the form of his life and has scored 214 runs in five games in the ongoing World Cup.
Malik, on the other hand, was in blistering form in their last group fixture against Namibia. He smashed 50 off just 18 balls against Scotland, the joint-fastest in this World Cup with KL Rahul.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, Haider Ali likely to replace Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik
Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and young batsman Haider Ali are likely to replace Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Rizwan in the all-important clash against the Aussies.
In a virtual press conference a day earlier, skipper Babar Azam said he was confident that the Men in Green will maintain the momentum and perform well against Australia in the semi-final.
Minor flaws have been pointed out in all the matches which sometimes relate to batting, sometimes bowling, Babar said. He said sometimes fielding lapses were also noted.
“It is good that we are trying to fix these issues,” he said.
Pakistan will hope to continue their winning run and book a final date with New Zealand on November 14 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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