Pakistan coach Waqar Younis revealed skipper Misbah-ul-Haq is a doubtful starter for the third one-day international against New Zealand in Sharjah today following a hamstring injury.
Haq fell awkwardly while fielding in the third over of New Zealand’s innings during the second day-night international in Sharjah on Friday. New Zealand went on to win that game by four wickets and levelled the five-match series 1-1.
Pakistan had won the first match by three wickets in Dubai.
“Misbah has a hamstring issue and he will have a scan and then we will decide. He is not very good,” said Younis yesterday, ahead of the third one-dayer.
Asked who would lead the team if Haq is ruled out, Younis said it would be up to Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan to decide.
“Look, the captaincy issue is chairman’s domain and we will probably ring him if Misbah is not available to decide what we are going to do,” he said.
All-rounder Shahid Afridi, who led the team in Haq’s absence during the second ODI, is a potential candidate to take over the captaincy reins.
Pakistan have been hit hard by injuries as fast bowlers Bilawal Bhatti (torn webbing on right hand) and Umar Gul (sore ankle) have been ruled out of the series and are returning home.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah and all-rounder Anwar Ali have been drafted in the squad as replacements.
Chief selector and team manager Moin Khan, however, remained upbeat of Pakistan’s chances in the series.
“Despite fitness issues dogging many key players, we still remain a pretty strong side. I am positive that the team would perform to their potential in the three remaining ODI games,” said Khan “With all-rounder Ali coming over, our strength in pace would be restored while Shah has performed very well in recent matches and his presence would give our attack a well-rounded look."
But Younis remains concerned about the fitness of the top players ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Fast bowler Junaid Khan, who injured his knee during the Australia series in October, is yet to recover while top spinners Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez have been suspended for illegal bowling actions. Gul and Bhatti’s latest injuries have compounded their miseries.
“We are trying to build the right combination for the World Cup and these issues have not allowed us to do so,” he said.
