Pakistan ease past Bangladesh after Naseem Shah injury scare in Asia Cup

06.09.2023 - 19:41 thenationalnews.com

Pakistan made short work of Bangladesh in the opening clash of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup in Lahore on Wednesday, easing to a seven-wicket win.

Chasing 194 for victory, the hosts were never in trouble as they reached the target with more than 10 overs to spare. Opener Imam-ul-Haq top-scored with a composed innings of 78 from 84 balls before wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan finished off the chase with 63 from 79 balls.

It was another dominant performance by Pakistan, both with bat and ball, ahead of Sunday's showdown with India in Colombo. However, the day could have turned into a catastrophe when young quick Naseem Shah hurt his shoulder while fielding at the boundary in the seventh over.

Shah was in discomfort and had to leave the field to get running repairs done. Luckily for Pakistan, he came back on and finished off the tail, while maintaining his pace, to allay any fears of serious injury.

Pakistan Cricket composer stage performer cup Shakib Al-Hasan Asia Cup Mohammad Rizwan India Bangladesh Pakistan

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah's recent shoulder injury has cast doubts over his participation in the forthcoming World Cup, set to be held in India next month. The 20-year-old pacer suffered the injury during Pakistan's Super-4 clash against arch-rival India in an Asia Cup match in Sri Lanka. Shah walked off during the 46th over Indian innings after injuring the right shoulder muscle.

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