Hasan Ali Out, Wasim Jr. In; Pakistan's Predicted XI For South Africa Clash

Hasan Ali has played all games so far in WC 2023 (AP Photo)

In an unfortunate turn of events, Pakistan have hit terribly amidst an awful Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign. Hasan Ali is suffering from high fever, ruling him out of selection for the South Africa clash. The 29-year-old pacer, who has played all the games thus far, will be replaced by Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Just like Pakistan, Hasan had two noteworthy performances at the start of the tournament against Netherlands and Sri Lanka. However, since the game against India, the right-arm medium has looked off-colour.

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Interestingly, Hasan made a comeback to the ODI setup after one year when Naseem Shah - Pakistan’s go-to man - got injured, for which he had to operate on his shoulder. Although the comeback bowler scalped seven wickets in his first two appearances in this World Cup, his performances nosedived post that. 

As Hasan won’t play, Pakistan will rope-in Mohammad Wasim Jr, who would be a like-for-like replacement for the experienced pro. The 22-year-old can bowl around 140 clicks and has the ability to reverse-swing up his sleeves. Thus, his inclusion in the playing XI could spray a much-needed boost to the Men in Green.

After five games, the 1992 World Cup champions find themselves in a do-or-die state, needing to win all their remaining matches at good rates. However, Pakistan’s remaining fixtures are against tough oppositions - South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England.

Nevertheless, Pakistan are scheduled to face a dangerous-looking Proteas at Chennai on Friday. The Men in Green are currently crawling at the fifth position on the points table, with two wins off five games and their NRR reading -0.400.

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