In the run-up to playing England in the 44th game of the ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf underwent testing for a probable rib strain. On November 11, this important game is set to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India.
Haris Rauf was sent to a nearby hospital in Kolkata for assessment after he complained of rib pain. The 30-year-old bowler had to leave the field during New Zealand’s innings after conceding 85 runs in 10 overs.
Furthermore, Shadab Khan, another Pakistani player, has not taken part in a game since sustaining a concussion during a match against South Africa in Chennai. It’s unclear if he will be available for the forthcoming game against the Men in Green.
It’s crucial to remember that Pakistan’s prospects of reaching the World Cup semifinals are still slim because they have limited control over their destiny.
On November 11 in Kolkata, the Babar Azam-led squad plays England in a match that they absolutely must win. However, because Pakistan is depending on Afghanistan and New Zealand to win their remaining games, the result of their semi-final qualifying is probably going to be known before that game.
First off, Afghanistan still has two World Cup matches left, and they won’t be easy because they are facing South Africa and Australia, two strong teams. Afghanistan will qualify directly with 12 points, ahead of both Pakistan and New Zealand, if they win both games.
New Zealand is now Pakistan’s biggest rival because both sides still have one game remaining. Notwithstanding, New Zealand has a benefit in terms of the net run rate (NRR). On November 9 in Bengaluru, New Zealand, which is placed fourth with a 0.398 NRR, will play the struggling Sri Lankan side. With a 0.036 NRR, Pakistan is presently ranked sixth.
