Pakistan encountered a significant injury scare during their first Super 4 match of Asia Cup 2023 when Naseem Shah injured his shoulder while attempting to save a boundary against Bangladesh in Lahore on Wednesday, September 6. With a crucial encounter against India scheduled for September 10 in the Super 4 stage, Naseem’s injury has raised concerns for Pakistan, as he is a vital player who typically opens the bowling alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi for the Men in Green.
In their match against Bangladesh, Naseem, a 20-year-old pacer, had opened the bowling alongside Shaheen, and he made an immediate impact by taking the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a golden duck. This early breakthrough gave Pakistan a strong start after Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and chose to bat first.
Pakistan continued to dominate as Shaheen also contributed by dismissing Litton Das for 16. However, their momentum was halted when Naseem Shah suffered an injury.
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The incident occurred in the seventh over of Bangladesh’s innings. Mohammad Naim was facing Shaheen when the Pakistani speedster delivered an inswinging ball that deflected off the pads and headed toward fine leg.
Naseem Shah injury: Hopefully it isn’t a serious injury but looks scary from the way he’s walking 😭💔
Prayers for speedy recovery 🥺#BANvPAK #PAKvBAN #AsiaCup2023 #AsiaCup23 #ShaheenAfridi #Shaheen #NaseemShah #BabarAzam #Pakistan #PakvsBan pic.twitter.com/FqifXp3SGP— Fourth Umpire (@UmpireFourth) September 6, 2023
Naseem Shah attempted a slide to prevent the ball from reaching the boundary but was unsuccessful and didn’t move after the attempt. Physiotherapists rushed to attend to him, and Mohammad Rizwan also signaled for medical assistance.
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Shah was subsequently taken off the field, and the injury to one of Pakistan’s frontline pacers raised concerns, especially with important matches still to be played in the Asia Cup, including the highly anticipated clash against India on Sunday.
With Naseem Shah sidelined, Pakistan turned to Harris Rauf, who further disrupted Bangladesh’s batting lineup by dismissing Mohammad Naim for 20 and later claiming the wicket of Towhid Hridoy for 2.
