Pakistan make 5 changes to their Playing XI for must-win Asia Cup game against Sri Lanka

The Babar Azam-led Pakistan side has made 5 major changes in the squad for the must-win encounter against Sri Lanka on September 14 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The winner of this match will face India in the final of the Asia Cup, which is set to take place on September 17. Meanwhile, both teams have two points after a win against Bangladesh while suffering setbacks against India in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023.

Rohit Sharma and Co. have placed themselves in the final of the Asia Cup after defeating the Men in Green on September 11 and beating the defending champion on September 12. Notably, Team India will be locking horns against Bangladesh in their last match of the Super Fours of the Asia Cup on September 15 and will be looking to continue the winning streak.

It’s a do-or-die clash for Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Speaking about the five major changes made by the Pakistan team as they announced their playing XI. Notably, Naseem Shah has been ruled out after the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the news that the young pacer got injured while facing India on September 11. In addition, star seamer Haris Rauf has also been ruled out due to injury.

Mohammad Nasim and Zaman Khan have been named as the replacements who will boost the pace attack along with left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi to face the defending champions. Meanwhile, Faheem Ashraf has been ruled out, while Saud Shakeel is taking his place. In addition, star opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been replaced by Mohammad Haris, whereas Mohammad Nawaz also makes his way into the squad.

Talking about their journey so far in the tournament, the Pakistan team had a good start in the Asia Cup as they registered a big win against Nepal in their opening match. Following this, they bundled out India for 266 runs in their next match, but rain halted the play. They continued their good form in the opening match of the Super Fours, where they defeated the Bangladesh in Lahore. Later, they suffered a historic loss against Rohit Sharma and Co., which places them third in the points table.

Our playing XI for the #PAKvSL match 🇵🇰#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/lhT5Vl8RtX

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 13, 2023