Asia Cup 2022: Shahnawaz Dahani ruled out of Super 4 clash against India with suspected side strain

Pakistan swatted aside Hong Kong in a statement win by 155 runs to storm into the Super 4 stage of the 2022 Asia Cup on Friday. But the two-time champions suffered a huge injury blow ahead of their high-profile clash against India as pacer Shahnawaz Dahani has been ruled out with a side strain.

The Men in Green lost their opening fixture of the tournament against arch-rivals India in a closely-contested affair but hammered Hong Kong to book their place in the Super 4. Dahani, who impressed in the outing against India, suffered a side strain while bowling against Hong Kong.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the pacer's injury in an official announcement. Any decision on his involvement in the other games of the tournament will be made after further assessments from the medical team.

"Shahnawaz Dahani will not be available for Sunday's ACC T20 Asia Cup Super-4 match against India due to a suspected side strain. The injury happened while bowling in the match against Hong Kong in Sharjah on Friday. As is the case with any suspected side strain injury, the medical team will monitor him for the next 48-72 hours, following which they will make decisions, including carrying out a scan and further participation in the tournament," the PCB said in a statement.

Mohammad Hasnain likely to replace to Dahani

Notably, Pakistan had suffered a major injury blow ahead of the 15th edition of the Asia Cup as fast bowling sensation Shaheen Afridi was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Their misery was further compounded when pacer Mohammad Wasim was also ruled out just a few days before the commencement of the tournament. 

Mohammad Hasnain, who joined the team as a replacement for the injured Shaheen Afridi, is likely to make it into the playing XI against India, while Mohammad Wasim's replacement Hasan Ali is also in contention of making his return to the national team.