Asia Cup 2018: Shadab Khan Likely to Miss Match Against Afghanistan

Pakistan’s leg-spinner Shadab Khan is likely to miss the first match of the Super Four stage. Shadab had suffered from a slight niggle in the previous match against India. Thus, the leg-spinner might warm the benches in the next match. Men in Green will play their next match against Afghanistan. The Afghan side had won both their matches in the group stages.

Meanwhile, Pakistan won their first match against Hong Kong by eight wickets. However, they lost their next match against India by eight wickets.

Shadab Khan had bowled a fine goggly to get rid of India’s interim captain Rohit Sharma. The leggie was able to find the gap between Rohit Sharma’s bat and pad. Thus, it was a fine start for the spinner. However, he didn’t have any further role to play as Pakistan didn’t have enough runs on the board.

Meanwhile, the leg-spinner had scalped two wickets in the opening match against Hong Kong. Furthermore, Shadab Khan is a live wire on the field as he moves swiftly and can also contribute with the bat. Thus, Shadab’s absence is going to be huge for Pakistan.

On the other hand, it would be interesting to note who will replace Shadab Khan in the upcoming match against Afghanistan. Sarfraz Ahmed led side will like to give a better performance against Afghanistan as compared to India. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be playing back to back matches. Therefore, they are going to be a tired side.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will like to be cautious against the spin battery of Afghanistan. Rashid Khan is in fine form and Mujeeb Ur Rahman is also doing a fine job with the ball in the powerplay overs.

Pakistan will once again lock horns against India on 23 September and would like to take their revenge. Shadab Khan is expected to be fit for that fixture against the arch-rivals.