Abrar Ahmed likely to fill in for Shadab Khan in New Zealand match

LAHORE: Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan is likely to be replaced by right arm-off break spinner Abrar Ahmed in the crucial match against New Zealand due to uncertainty regarding his fitness after an injury.

Shadab was ruled out of the Bangladesh game due to a concussion he suffered during the team's match against South Africa.

The right-armer got injured as he landed awkwardly on his shoulder, hitting his head on the ground, after he moved towards the ball and hurled it towards the stumps from mid-on during the match against the Proteas.

This was Shadab's third concussion, having collided with a Sussex team-mate in a Twenty20 match in the UK in May 2023 and at the Asia Cup last year.

However, the all-rounder took part in a practice session in Bengaluru on Friday.

Official sources affiliated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that Ahmed is likely to be included in the national team in the deciding match against Kiwis slated for tomorrow (Saturday).

"Shadab went through a preliminary test," Pakistan's team manager Mickey Arthur said on Friday. "He came through that OK, but we're in no position yet to make a decision on him."

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said while giving an update on Shadab's injury that every precaution is being taken, keeping in mind his health and well being. It said that He will continue to be assessed over the coming days. 

Pakistan are fifth in the table below New Zealand and aiming to make a late push to secure a semi-final place and Arthur said games against the Black Caps and defending champions England next week were must-win contests.