Just two days before opening their campaign in Asia Cup 2022, Pakistan have suffered yet another injury blow. Last week, they had suffered a huge blow when a knee injury ruled their pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi out of the competition. Afridi was named in Pakistan’s squad for the tournament but was later sidelined due to a knee injury.
The fast-bowler had suffered the injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last month. And after losing Afridi’s services for the tournament, Pakistan suffered another injury blow when their fast-bowler Mohammad Wasim pulled up with back pain during training in Dubai.
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the 21-year old complained of pain in his lower back during a bowling session at the ICC Academy. The right-arm pacer has reportedly undergone an MRI scan. Mohammad Wasim has been part of each of the team’s three training sessions since arriving in Dubai on Tuesday. The report further stated that the scan is precautionary, with the PCB not wanting to risk a potential long-term injury.
Pakistan have a very busy scheduled ahead and would be hoping that none of their key players sustain a serious injury. After the Asia Cup ends on September 11, they are set to play England in seven T20Is at home, followed by a tri-series in New Zealand before they head to Australia. At the Asia Cup, they could possibly play five games in 12 days should they make the Super Four stage.
Mohammad Wasim’s performance for Pakistan so far:
As far as Mohammad Wasim’s performance is concerned, he has played 11 T20Is since his debut last July against West Indies. In those 11 games, he has picked up 17 wickets at an average of 15.88 and an economy of 8.10. Wasim was particularly impressive in the home series against Australia this March, where he picked up five wickets in three ODIs to help Pakistan clinch the series after losing the first game.
Meanwhile, Asia Cup 2022 is scheduled to start on Saturday (August 27) with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan taking on each other in the tournament-opener. Pakistan, on the other hand, will open their campaign on Sunday when they lock horns against arch-rivals India.