COLOMBO: Pakistan has called up reserves for injured fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah after the pair did not turn out to bat in the team's loss to India in the Asia Cup.
Pakistan suffered a crushing 228-run defeat on Monday's reserve day of the rain-hit Super Four clash in Colombo and soon named Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as backups.
The Pakistan cricket Board late Monday said Rauf and Naseem "picked up niggles".
India bowled out Pakistan for 128 (128-8) while chasing 357 for victory to register their biggest ODI win over their arch-rivals.
Rauf suffered a strain on Sunday and did not take field when play resumed on day two. Later in the match fellow quick Naseem walked off with some discomfort to his hand.
Rauf bowled five overs on Sunday before experiencing discomfort in his right side and sat out the reserve day's action.
Naseem left the field in the 49th over of India's innings on Monday with an injury to his bowling shoulder.
"This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men's cricket World Cup next month," the PCB said in a statement.
It further said, "Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team's medical panel.
"The team management will only request replacement from the ACC (Asian cricket Council) technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days."
Babar Azam's Pakistan next take on Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Rauf and Naseem did not bat and are likely to miss Thursday's Super Four match against Sri Lanka, with their participation in the September 17 final also in doubt should Pakistan make it. -- Agencies
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