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Asia Cup 2023 | Fakhar Zaman Makes Surprise Return To Replace Injured Imam-ul-Haq

image-lmj3gwibFakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq batting together in Asia Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

In a shocking development, Pakistan captain Babar Azam confirmed on Thursday (September 14) that Fakhar Zaman, who was dropped from their playing XI against Sri Lanka, is back in action. The southpaw will replace Imam-ul-Haq, who has a back spasm. 

Alongside Imam, Saul Shakeel, who was included in the lineup, is not going to play as well. Shakeel is having a fever, and he will be replaced by Abdullah Shafique.

After winning the toss, Babar announced he and his teammate will bat first in a match which has been reduced to a 45-overs-a-side due to persistent rain.



Sri Lanka, on the other hand, Pramodh Madushan and Kusal Janith will get their chances, replacing Dimuth Karunaratne and Kasun Rajitha.

Captains' Thoughts Ahead of PAK vs SL

Babar Azam

"We will bat first. We are trying to put runs on the board and put pressure on them. In the second innings, the pitch behaves differently. Imam has a back spasm. Fakhar comes back. Saud Shakeel has a fever. Abdullah Shafique is playing."

Dasun Shanaka

"We would have bowled first. There'll be more assistance for spinners. The way we batted, we had our chances, but we couldn't capitalize (against India). We've got a couple of changes. Pramodh Madushan comes in for Rajitha, and Kusal Janith comes in for Dimuth Karunaratne."

PAK vs SL Playing XIs

Pakistan Playing XI vs Sri Lanka

Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Mohammad Haris, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan

Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana