On Wednesday morning, Mohammed Rizwan and Shoaib Malik had a “light flue and low fever” and were first advised to delay their training activities. However, they went on to miss the training session altogether. Both players have tested negative in their respective COVID-19 reports, much like the rest of the Pakistan squad.
Pakistan is confident of having the duo’s services for the all-important encounter against Australia on Thursday night. The duo has played a vital part in Pakistan’s success at the T20I World Cup. However, as seen yesterday with England’s elimination, past results go out of the window when it comes to semi-finals and finals.
Pakistan fans will be eager to have both of them on the field as the side hasn’t changed their lineup much during the tournament. If they are forced to replace Rizwan and Malik, they will already be at a disadvantage before the match starts.
Rizwan is the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament and is only pipped by opening partner Babar Azam when it comes to Pakistan’s top scorer. Malik scored Pakistan’s fastest half-century against Scotland. The 39-year-old has been the power hitter for them in the middle order.
As it stands, it is unlikely they will miss today’s game. However, if that happens, Pakistan will have to use Sarfaraz Ahmed and Haider Ali. The former captain Ahmed will be a straight swap for Rizwan as the wicket-keeper. Ali can bat in the middle order instead of Malik. Left-hander Fakhar Zaman will open the innings with Babar Azam if such a scenario occurs.
Nevertheless, the match between two of the tournament’s best sides will surely be an intriguing affair. While New Zealand cancelled their tour of Pakistan a few months ago, their rivalry with Australia is well-documented. Both teams will love to face the Kiwis in the final on Sunday.
