NEW DELHI: Pakistan's World Cup campaign has hit a stumbling block as they prepare to face Australia in a pivotal match, with injured opener Fakhar Zaman and fever-stricken all-rounder Salman Ali Agha ruled out of the upcoming clash on Friday.
Fakhar Zaman, currently nursing a knee injury, is set to miss the fixture, and the Pakistan media manager provided an update on his condition, stating, "Fakhar Zaman is being treated for a knee injury, and he is expected to be available for selection next week."
In a further setback for the team, Salman Ali Agha is in the process of recovering from a bout of fever that emerged after a training session the day prior to the match. The team's management was quick to assure cricket fans that the rest of the players in the 15-member squad are in robust health and ready for the contest.
Fakhar Zaman, a pivotal component of Pakistan's batting lineup, had made an appearance in just one match thus far in the tournament. His sole outing was in Pakistan's opening match against the Netherlands in Hyderabad, where he contributed 12 runs to the team's effort.
In Fakhar Zaman's absence, the responsibility of opening the innings has fallen to Abdullah Shafique, who has been turning heads with his remarkable performances. Shafique, the designated replacement for Zaman, left an indelible mark with a magnificent century, amassing 113 runs against Sri Lanka. In the match against India, he played an essential role by contributing 20 runs to Pakistan's campaign.
Pakistan faces a formidable Australian side, and Abdullah Shafique's form will be a critical factor as they strive to secure a victory without the services of their injured opener.
(With inputs from PTI)
