Asia Cup 2022 Championship: Shahnawaz Dahani is ruled out, and speculation on Avesh Khan

Yesterday, Pakistan’s 24-year-old right arm-pacer Shahnawaz Dahani was ruled out of tonight’s high-voltage encounter against the Indian cricket team. The pacer has been suspected of a side strain that he suffered against the Hong Kong National cricket team.

In the media release, Pakistan Cricket Board said, “Shahnawaz Dahani will not be available for Sunday’s ACC T20 Asia Cup Super-4 match against India due to a suspected side strain. The injury happened while bowling on the Friday night against Hong Kong in Sharjah.”

He conceded 29 runs in his spell of 4 overs against India, whereas he went for stupendous figures of 1/7 against Hong Kong. After giving such an impactful performance in the previous two matches, his participation in other games remains doubtful. 

The board added, “As is the case with any suspected side strain injury, the medical team will monitor him for the next 48-72 hours, following which they will make decisions, including carrying out a scan and further participation in the tournament.”

Hasan Ali will likely replace him in the playing XI against India. 

While Pakistan got the big blow of Shahnawaz Dahani being ruled out, India will also be missing the services of their all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and now the inclusion of Avesh Khan remains doubtful. 

Indian coach Rahul Dravid said, “Avesh has just been feeling a little bit unwell, just been under the weather and a bit of fever and stuff. He is not at practice today, hopefully, it is not too serious.”

Now India once again has possibilities and a combination of players to work on. Should Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik be included to maintain the right-left variety after Ravindra Jadeja is ruled out, or will he be directly replaced by another all-rounder Axar Patel? Suppose Avesh Khan misses out, and no other pacer is available in the squad. Will India play with three spinners in the form of Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin? 

The high-octane clash is yet all set to bring surprises to the table.