The Babar Azam-led Men in Green proved to be a bit unlucky this World Cup and are definitely missing young pacer Naseem Shah, who is a key element of Pakistan’s arguably top-of-the-line bowling attack.
The young seamer was ruled out of the Pakistani squad for ICC World Cup 2023, currently underway in India, due to a shoulder injury he sustained during Asia Cup 2023. However, his teammate Mohammad Wasim Jr — who is also a fast bowler and part of the Pakistan squad in the mega event — revealed that Naseem has been 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 that Naseem’s tips proved helpful in matches against South Africa and Bangladesh.
“We are definitely missing Naseem Shah. I spoke to Naseem before Pakistan’s match against South Africa as well as Bangladesh. He advised me about how to bowl on these pitches which helped me. Naseem’s tips were really helpful for me,” said Wasim.
The 22-year-old seamer has picked five wickets in two matches of the ongoing World Cup 2023. He bagged figures of 2-50 against South Africa and 3-31 against Bangladesh.
While Naseem undergoes rehabilitation, Hasan Ali replaced him in Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup.
The youngster suffered a shoulder injury at the Asia Cup 2023 and is expected to stay on the sidelines for a long period of 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 which aided the Green Shirts’ cause during the mega event.
The Proteas’ win has given a slight help to Pakistan’s chances since Babar and Co’s road to the semi-final of the World Cup remains difficult with many hurdles in between.
As it is essential for Pakistan to win their remaining matches, in an ideal scenario, the Green Shirts should beat New Zealand in the next game and hope the Black Caps lose to Sri Lanka.
If the Black Caps lose their matches, they would finish the group stage with eight points, and Pakistan can qualify for the knockout stage with 10 points should they beat their next two opponents.
Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 matches
November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 – vs England in Kolkata
The day matches will start at 10:00am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30pm (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 playing against Pakistan, in which case they will play in Kolkata.