PAK vs SL ODI World Cup 2023: Injury concern for Shaheen Afridi, Pacer limps off field after being hit on knee

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• Oct 10, 2023 | Dhupali Das

It was reported that Afridi was also having a finger injury, adding to Pakistan's injury concerns...

Digital Desk: Pakistan and Sri Lanka clashed in their second game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Pakistan entered the match with high spirits after a convincing win over the Netherlands at the same venue earlier in the tournament. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat.

The game got off to an electrifying start for Pakistan when Hasan Ali provided the Men in Green with an early breakthrough. Hasan Ali's precision dismissed Kusal Perera for a duck, setting Sri Lanka back early in their innings.

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis then stepped in to stabilize the Sri Lankan innings, constructing an unbeaten 60-run partnership. However, the match took a nerve-wracking turn when Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi was hit on the knee by a powerful shot from Kusal Mendis. Afridi, who was bowling the fifth over, attempted to catch the ball, but the sheer force behind the shot caused it to burst through his hands, making impact with his knee.

Afridi appeared to be in considerable pain as he limped off the field. It was reported that Afridi was also having a finger injury, adding to Pakistan's injury concerns. Despite the scare, Shaheen Afridi returned to bowling in the very next over, showcasing his resilience.

In a bid to enhance their batting, Pakistan decided to drop Fakhar Zaman, who had been struggling with poor form for some time, and brought in Abdullah Shafique as his replacement. The decision to exclude Zaman came after his lackluster performance against the Netherlands.

Speaking at the toss, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, noted, "The wicket looks very dry, and the first ten overs are crucial for us. We aren't up to the mark at the top, and we made one change. Abdullah Shafique comes in for Fakhar. Yes, we have a good record against them, and we will try to do our best."

As the match unfolds, fans eagerly await the outcome of this thrilling encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023.