Pakistan make a last-moment shocking change to their Asia Cup squad ahead of marquee event

Pakistan secured a commanding victory over Afghanistan in the third ODI in Colombo on Saturday. The Men in Green clinched a 59-run win in the final match of the series to hand a clean sweep to Afghanistan. This triumphant performance propelled Pakistan to the coveted top spot in the ICC Men's ODI rankings. They replaced Australia to become the new World No. 1 ranked ODI side. This comes as a major boost to Pakistan ahead of two crucial 50-over tournaments - the Asia Cup and the Cricket World Cup. 

3 things you need to know

• Pakistan moved to the top of the ODI rankings after 3-0 whitewash of Afghanistan
• Pakistan toppled Australia to take the top spot in the Men's ICC ODI team rankings
• Pakistan will begin their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Nepal on August 30

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Pakistan makes a big change to their Asia Cup squad

As they approached their final match before shifting their focus to the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan surprised many by making significant changes to their 17-member squad designated for the upcoming continental event. Earlier this month, Pakistan had unveiled their squad prior to their Afghanistan series in Sri Lanka. However, on Saturday, they introduced a singular addition to the roster for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel, initially selected solely for the Afghanistan match, has now earned a spot in the squad for the Asia Cup 2023. Shakeel participated in just one match during the series, the final ODI, where he contributed 9 runs off 8 balls. This appearance marked his return to the format since March 2022 and his sixth overall appearance. Tayyab Tahir, who was part of the original 17-player lineup for the Asia Cup, has now been moved to the travelling reserves list. 

The Pakistan men's cricket team is set to arrive in Multan on Sunday, August 27. Players who participated in the Lankan Premier League prior to the ODI series against Afghanistan will be given a day's rest and will subsequently rejoin the squad at the Multan Cricket Ground on August 29. A training session will be held for the Asia Cup at the same venue following a pre-series press conference by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. 

Also Read: Deadlock Continues Over PCB And Players Over New Contracts Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023: Reports

Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan's updated squad

Pakistan is set to commence their Asia Cup 2023 campaign on August 30, Nepal in their opening match. Subsequently, they will travel to Sri Lanka to clash with arch-rivals India on September 2 in their second group-stage match.

Pakistan's squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir.

Traveling reserve: Tayyab Tahir

Image: Twitter/PCB