In a potential setback for Pakistan’s crucial World Cup encounter against England, fast bowler Haris Rauf is battling injury concerns, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming match. Rauf’s woes began when he suffered a rib sprain during Pakistan’s recent triumph over New Zealand.
Following the discomfort he experienced during the match, Haris Rauf underwent a medical examination at a local hospital in Kolkata, where the results of his scan were found to be reassuring, with no significant damage detected. The national team’s spokesperson expressed optimism that Rauf would recover in time for the upcoming match against England.
Rauf first felt the discomfort while participating in the match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, which eventually led to his early exit from the field. His absence could be a significant blow to Pakistan’s pace attack.
In addition to Rauf, Pakistan has been grappling with another injury concern as all-rounder Shadab Khan was sidelined due to a concussion suffered during the match against South Africa in Chennai. His return to the lineup remains uncertain, leaving a question mark over his participation in the upcoming match.
As Pakistan strives to secure a spot in the World Cup semi-finals, their fate is not entirely within their control. Their qualification prospects hinge on the outcomes of Afghanistan and New Zealand in the tournament.
Afghanistan faces a challenging road ahead with matches against formidable teams, Australia and South Africa, scheduled for November 7 and November 10. Victories in both these matches would give Afghanistan a direct qualification with 12 points, potentially surpassing both New Zealand and Pakistan in the standings.
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The primary competition for Pakistan is New Zealand, with both teams having one more match to play. However, New Zealand holds an advantage in terms of their net run rate (NRR). The Black Caps are scheduled to face the struggling Sri Lanka side on November 9 in Bengaluru, further intensifying the battle for a semi-final berth.
Currently, New Zealand holds the fourth position in the rankings with a net run rate (NRR) of 0.398, while Pakistan is ranked fifth with an NRR of 0.036. The upcoming matches will determine which team secures a coveted place in the semi-finals of the World Cup, making every game crucial in this high-stakes cricket tournament.