IND vs PAK: Why will Pakistan pacer play no part in the India vs Pakistan Super 4s match?

IND vs PAK: Haris Rauf will not be available for Pakistan's match against India on the reserve day of the Asia Cup Super Fours match in Colombo on Monday. According to ESPNcricinfo, Rauf experienced side strain in his right flank during the originally scheduled match day on Sunday, which was disrupted by rain after 24.1 overs were bowled in the first innings. The extent of Rauf's injury remains uncertain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement confirming the injury, stating that Rauf won't be bowling any further in the match against India.  

3 things you need to know

• India and Pakistan are playing in Super Fours of Asia Cup 2023
• India scored 147/2 in 24.1 overs before rain interrupted the game
• The match has resumed on Day 2 with Kohli and Rahul on strike

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PCB's statement reads

Fast bowler Haris Rauf will not be bowling any further in the Asia Cup Super 4 match against India as a precautionary measure. He felt a little discomfort in his right flank during the match yesterday and was subsequently taken for a precautionary MRI, which revealed no tear. He remains under the observation of the team’s medical panel

On Sunday, Rauf bowled five wicketless overs and conceded 27 runs. Despite India's openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill making half-centuries and putting on a quick start of 121 runs, Pakistan managed to fight back and take both their wickets, limiting India to 147 for the loss of two wickets.

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India battle it out with Pakistan to stay alive in Asia Cup 2023

As the match resumes in Colombo, Pakistan will have to rely on their three pace options: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Faheem Ashraf. Shadab Khan will lead the spin department, with occasional off-spin options in the form of Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have resumed batting for India on Day 2 of their Asia Cup Super Fours match against Pakistan. The duo has 25 overs to help India post a fighting total. The start of play on Day 2 was delayed due to extreme weather conditions in Sri Lanka. It has been raining heavily for the past several days.  

Image: AP