Lahore: Pakistan has announced the final XI for the crucial match against Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, introducing significant changes. Fakhar Zaman has been dropped, and Shadab Khan has been rested, with a total of 5 changes made to the team.After Pakistan’s dismal performance against India and the injury to two fast bowlers in the match, there was a necessity for major changes in the squad for the crucial match against Sri Lanka.Injuries to fast bowlers in the match against India have forced some changes, and one change is tactical, considering the possible conditions of the pitch.Naseem Shah, who suffered an injury against India, is out of the Asia Cup, and in his place, Zaman Khan has been included in the squad, who will also feature in the match against Sri Lanka. Additionally, Muhammad Waseem Junior has been included in the final XI in place of Haris Rauf Furthermore, Salman Ali Agha, who was injured due to being hit on the face while batting against the traditional rival, won’t be able to participate in the match, and Saud Shakeel has been brought in as a replacement. For the match against Sri Lanka, Muhammad Nawaz has been included in the team, considering the potential spin-friendly pitch.Fakhar Zaman, who has consistently underperformed in several matches, has been dropped, and young opener Mohammad Haris has been included in the team.The Pakistani team for the match comprises the following players: Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Waseem Junior, Zaman Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi.Pakistan had to face a humiliating defeat at the hands of India in the previous match, but they secured a victory against Bangladesh in the first match of the Super Four stage. Pakistan will aim for success against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final, with a traditional rivalry with India at stake; otherwise, they will be out of the tournament.
(Thanks to Dawn News)