ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Mohammad Rizwan-Shoaib Malik Likely To Miss Semi-Final Against Australia Owing To Flu

Pakistan might receive a heavy blow ahead of their high-octane clash against Australia in the second semi-final match on Thursday.

Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan and veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik could miss the semi-final fixture after contracting the flu.

Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik caught flu

According to a report by Geo News, both Rizwan and Malik did not show up for the practice on the eve of their semi-final match against Australia as both of them have caught the flu.

Although both the players turned COVID-19 negative, but health experts have advised them to take a rest. A decision regarding their participation in the important match will be taken after a medical examination on Thursday morning.

Rizwan has been on a spectacular run in the T20 World Cup with his role of opening with skipper Babar Azam. The wicket-keeper batter has scored 214 runs from five innings at the strike rate of 127.38.

Malik regained his form after initially being dropped from the squad, but only an injury to Sohaib Maqsood allowed him another opportunity to play for Pakistan in his illustrious international career.

Malik slammed 54 off 18 balls against Scotland in their final match of Group 2, hence becoming the fastest Pakistan batter to score a fifty and leaving behind Umar Akmal’s record in 21 balls.

Pakistan has been in good form: Aaron Finch

Pakistan won all five matches of Group 2 to top the points table, and they were also the first team to seal a berth in the knockout stages.

Pakistan and Australia have met 23 times in T20Is, with the Asian side holding the edge with 13 wins. Both teams have won three games in T20 World Cup, and this will be their seventh time in the showpiece event.

Australia captain Aaron Finch acknowledged Pakistan’s brilliant form and said that one shouldn’t look much into the history.

“I think Pakistan has been in good form, they have won five matches, and they have played good cricket throughout. I do not think you can read too much into history,” Finch said in his pre-match press conference.

Australia and Pakistan meet for the second round of the semi-final on Thursday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Facing Australia In Semi-Finals Will Give Us Butterflies: Shoaib Malik