PAK vs AUS 2nd ODI: Naseem Shah’s Participation In The Match Doubtful

Pakistan’s 21-year-old ace fast-bowler Naseem Shah suffered from an unexpected injury during the nail-biting PAK vs AUS 1st ODI. 

Shah had to retire hurt in the middle of his over and youngster Mohammad Hasnain took his place and completed the over. 

As per reports, Naseem was gripped with cramps and has been in pain ever since. Although the Pakistan vs Australia 2nd ODI is still 3 days away, Naseem’s participation in the match is highly doubtful owing to the injury. 

Naseem’s contribution with the ball as well as the bat played a crucial role for Pakistan. He scored 40 runs off 39 balls and helped Pakistan get past the 200-run mark. 

He was the second highest run-scorer after Rizwan amongst the men in green. In the bowling department, Naseem Shah conceded 39 runs and claimed 1 wicket in his 7.2 overs. 

Unfortunately, Shah’s and his teammates' efforts fell short as Australia clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan with 99 balls left. The home team is now leading the three-match ODI series 1-0. 

Pakistan gave Australia a very mediocre target of 204, but Australia still fought really hard to get to that target. After losing a pair of early wickets, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis provided much-needed stability to the Aussie innings and took the game from 28/2 to 113/3. 

Despite Pakistani bowlers’ mind-blowing efforts, skipper Pat Cummins composed innings helped his team cross the finish line and secure an exciting victory. 

Newly appointed skipper Mohammad Rizwan went ahead with a pace-loaded strategy which proved to be successful to a great extent as Haris Rauf took three wickets, Shaheen Afridi two, and both Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain contributed with one wicket each.

However, the mighty number of extras conceded by the bowlers was one of the factors behind Pakistan’s loss in this low-score contest. 

The PAK vs AUS 2nd ODI is scheduled for 8th November in Adelaide. The tourists will be hoping to level the series by securing a victory in this must-win contest.