Debasis Sen, Dubai: Pakistan face a slight concern heading into Thursday’s second semi-final against Australia in T20 World Cup to be played at Dubai International Stadium. The batting mainstays Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik were diagnosed with mild flu and missed the training session on Wednesday at the ICC cricket academy.
Both players were tested for Covid-19 and the results were negative. The team management will re-assess their condition on Thursday morning before taking a final call.
In case they are not available for selection, then former captain Sarafaraz Ahmed and Haider Ali can take their places. Both were seen given an extended batting session at the nets.
Rizwan and Malik have been key performers for Pakistan so far in the T20 World Cup. Rizwan is the third-highest run-getter, just behind his opening partner and captain Babar Azam. He is also an important part of Pakistan’s on-field leadership.
Both Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 23 times in T20 format with Australia winning 9 times and Pakistan ending up as winner 13 times.
In their last encounter on November 8, 2019, in Perth, Australia routed Pakistan by 10 wickets with 49 balls to spare.