PAK vs SL: Revealed - Why Are Imam-ul-Haq And Saud Shakeel Not Playing Today's Match vs Sri Lanka

Despite naming their playing 11 for the must-win game against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan were forced to make two more changes to their team. One of the big changes was Imam-ul-Haq being left out just before the start of the game.

Pakistan faced a big blow and were forced to make two changes. Imam-ul-Haq ahead of the game had back a spasm and was deemed unfit to play. This made team management to include Fakhar Zaman back in the team. The southpaw was dropped following his poor run of form.

Not only this but Pakistan were made to make another forced change to their team. Saud Shakeel, who was named in the XI on the eve of the game, too was replaced. The left-hander had a fever and wasn’t fit to play. In his place, Abdullah Shafique was included in the team for the Super Four stage game against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Skipper Babar Azam updated about the changes made to their XI. He also said that they want to put pressure on the opposition by adding runs on the board. Speaking at the toss, he explained:

“We will bat first. We are trying to put runs on the board and put pressure on them. Second innings, the pitch behaves differently. Imam-ul-Haq has a back spasm. Fakhar comes back. Saud Shakeel has a fever. Abdullah Shafique is playing.”

Fakhar Zaman along with Abdullah Shafique will be opening the innings for Pakistan. Whereas Mohammad Haris has been slotted to bat at No.5

PAK vs SL: Imam-Ul-Haq misses out along with Saud Shakeel, Sri Lanka also make a couple of changes

After the loss against India, Pakistan made changes in bulk for the must-win game against Sri Lanka. They made five changes.

Here’s Pakistan’s playing 11 for the game against Sri Lanka:

Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, made two changes to the team. Pramodh Madushan replaced Kasun Rajitha whereas Kusal Janith came in for Dimuth Karunaratne.

Here’s Sri Lanka’s Playing 11 for the game against Pakistan:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana