Pakistan have been reportedly handed a huge jolt ahead of their curcial 2024 T20 World Cup game against India on Sunday.
Babar Azam-led side have not had the best of time since landing in the USA for the World Cup. Their first game was against the hosts and what should've been an easy win turned into a nightmare as USA masterminded a Super Over win to leave Pakistan in shock.
They now face an uphill task to qualify for the Super 8 stage of the World Cup and the next match against India has become even more crucial.
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However, there are reports regarding all-rounder Imad Wasim that is set to increase the headaches of the Pakistan team management.
Will Imad Wasim play against India?
Wasim, a left-arm spinner and a handy lower order batsman, missed the first game against USA with a suspected rib injury which also forced him to miss Pakistan's final T20I against England before they headed over to the USA. And it seems the injury is serious than initially thought.
Earlier on Saturday, reports emerged that Wasim is set to return from the US and is unlikely to recover before the World Cup ends.
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It would have been a huge blow for Pakistan who are already looking light in the spin department, with an out-of-form Shadab Khan and an untested Abrar Ahmed.
BREAKING NEWS - Sources say Mehran Mumtaz might replace Imad Wasim for the rest of the T20 WorldCup 2024. Imad expected to return back home due to injury. #T20WorldCup
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) June 8, 2024
The balance that Wasim offers with the bat is also crucial for Pakistan. It is worth noting that Wasim was brought back from retirement specifically for the T20 World Cup, given his experience in the Caribbean playing the CPL.
It was also speculated that left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz might be brought in as Wasim's replacement. The 21-year-old is yet to make his international debut and represents Peshawar Zalmi in PSL.
But around 24 hours before the India match was scheduled to start, Pakistan confirmed that Wasim has passed a fitness test and is likely to feature against India. It was confirmed by coach Gary Kirsten.
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Predicted Pakistan XI against India
Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in their second outing at the T20 World Cup 2024. The Asian powerhouses will clash at the Nassau County Stadium in New York on June 09.
It is likely that Saim Ayub comes back into the XI in place of the out-of-sorts Azam Khan.
Likely XI: Saim Ayub, Mohammed Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Ifthikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammed Amir
