Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf underwent tests for a possible rib sprain as the Pakistan cricket team prepares to face England in the 44th match of the ICC World Cup 2023. This crucial match is scheduled to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, on November 11.
Haris Rauf complained of experiencing discomfort in his ribs and was taken to a local hospital in Kolkata for evaluation. The 30-year-old bowler had to leave the field during New Zealand’s innings after conceding 85 runs in 10 overs.
Additionally, another Pakistani player, Shadab Khan, who suffered a concussion during a match against South Africa in Chennai, has not participated in a game since. His availability for the upcoming match with the Men in Green remains uncertain.
It’s important to note that Pakistan’s chances of making it to the World Cup semi-finals remain challenging, as their fate is not entirely within their control.
The team led by Babar Azam faces a must-win match against England on November 11 in Kolkata. However, the outcome of their semi-final qualification is likely to be determined before that game because two other teams Pakistan is relying on, Afghanistan and New Zealand, will have completed their remaining matches by then.
Firstly, Afghanistan has two more matches to play in the World Cup, and these matches are not easy as they are against Australia and South Africa, both in good form. If Afghanistan wins both matches, they will secure a direct qualification with 12 points, surpassing New Zealand and Pakistan.
Currently, Pakistan’s main competition is with New Zealand, as both teams have one more match to play. However, New Zealand holds an advantage in net run rate (NRR). New Zealand, ranked fourth with a 0.398 NRR, is scheduled to face the struggling Sri Lanka team on November 9 in Bengaluru. Pakistan is currently fifth with a 0.036 NRR.
