20-20 World Cup: Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan down with flu ahead of Australia clash

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are not well ahead of the semifinal clash against Australia in the ongoing 20-20 World Cup. The players are down with flu and didn’t take part in the training session on Wednesday (November 10). Malik and Rizwan have cleared the respective COVID-19 tests but they have been advised to rest by Pakistan’s team doctor Dr. Najeeb Soomro.

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The second semifinal between Pakistan and Australia will take place on Thursday (November 11) and the duo’s participation in the match will be confirmed on the day of the match. Pakistan would be hoping that it is just minor flu and Malik and Rizwan are fit to play against Australia. The pair have been in brilliant form in the ongoing 20-20 World Cup. The former is an experienced campaigner and will be vital for the team in this crunch game. Malik’s clam and composed presence at the crease have lent solidarity in the lower middle order.

On the other hand, Rizwan has been very consistent at the top order. The wicketkeeper-batter has so far scored 214 runs and has provided the team good start upfront. Pakistan are the only team that are yet to lose in the competition and Malik and Rizwan’s contributions have been pivotal in the team’s stellar run.

In case the players fail to recover completely, then Pakistan have Sarfaraz Ahmed as the backup wicketkeeper-batter. He can slot in the middle order and Fakhar Zaman can be promoted to open the innings alongside skipper Babar Azam. Pakistan management though are optimistic about Malik and Rizwan recovering before the crunch game.