The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the playing XI for the crucial tri-nation series match against South Africa, making significant adjustments from their initial game against New Zealand. Mohammad Hasnain replaces the injured Haris Rauf, while Saud Shakeel replaces Kamran Ghulam in the middle order.
The upcoming match, scheduled for February 12 in Karachi, is a virtual semi-final. The winner will challenge New Zealand. The Kiwis have already clinched their spot in the final after securing victories in their first two matches, including a win against Pakistan, propelled by Glenn Phillips’s stellar century.
In response to Haris Rauf’s absence due to a lower chest wall muscular sprain incurred during the match against New Zealand, left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed has been called up. This substitution applies solely to the tri-nation ODI series, as Rauf is expected to recover in time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The selection committee of the PCB, which convened on Tuesday, reviewed several candidates for Rauf’s temporary replacement, considering players such as Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mohammad Ali.
This match against South Africa is pivotal, setting the stage for the final face-off against New Zealand on February 14 at Karachi’s National Stadium.
