IND vs PAK: Asif Ali Limps Out With An Injury, Giving Pakistan Cause For Concern

Just before the T20I World Cup, Pakistan’s middle-order batsman, Asif Ali, was spotted limping during the New Zealand Tri-series final, raising injury fears for the squad. 

When Devon Conway, a left-handed batsman from New Zealand, struck Mohammad Wasim Jr. through the cover point area, Ali tried to follow the ball down to the boundary and suffered an injury. Ali’s attempts were futile, though, as Conway scored a four and the ball sped off to the boundary. 

Asif Ali’s Injury May Worsen Pakistan’s Middle Order Crisis

Asif Ali’s ailment was a concern for the Pakistani team, though. He attempted a dive to try to block the ball, but in the process, his knee became stuck to the ground. He was noticed to be in agony, so the physio arrived to check on him. 

Ali was ultimately forced to leave the area on foot. The first match between Pakistan and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is in less than 10 days, so if Ali doesn’t get fit by then, Pakistan may have problems in important games.

In the T20 format, Ali has been a crucial component of Pakistan’s middle-order batting. 

Cricket analysts have frequently noted that Pakistan’s middle order is having problems, and if Ali is ruled out, that issue might grow worse. 

Shaheen Afridi Provide Update On His Recovery

Shaheen Shah Afridi just recovered from the knee injury he suffered earlier this year in Sri Lanka, helping Pakistan avoid a serious injury worry prior to the World Cup. 

Afridi had been unable to participate in a few bilateral series as well as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosting of the Asia Cup in 2022. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declared the left-arm pacer to be operational.

Yesterday, October 13, Afridi posted a photo of himself on Twitter with the physiotherapy team in appreciation for their ongoing assistance and support with his recovery. He also provided an update on his impending arrival in Australia to join the squad. 

Pakistan will play two exhibition games in the T20I World Cup, one against England on October 17 and another against Afghanistan on October 19, before the decisive encounter against India.