T20 World Cup 2024: Imad Wasim set to miss USA clash with side strain

After succumbing to England in the final of the T20 World Cup 2022, Pakistan will be hoping to lay their hands on the coveted trophy after a 14-year hiatus. But before their opening game against the hosts the United States of America, the Men in Green have dealt a huge blow as all-rounder Imad Wasim will be unavailable due to contracting a side strain. 

Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam informed the media that the all-rounder will miss the first game and hoped to recover for the remaining matches. After the USA game, Pakistan will take on India in the much-anticipated game of the tournament. Talking of Imad, he returned from his international retirement and was inducted into the national squad on the back of some good performances in the Pakistan Super League.

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"Imad Wasim is suffering from a side strain, which means he won't be able to play in our opening match. Although Imad won't play the first game, we hope that he will be available for the rest of the matches,” said Babar as quoted by Geo Super.

Saim Ayub plays with high-risk: Shoaib Malik

Pakistan are coming off a series loss against England ahead of the marquee event. The team has been grappling with the opening pair combination for some time now. Babar, who was opening with Mohammad Rizwan had been demoted to number three and Saim Ayub is the proposed opener. The move is not yielding results as the openers are struggling to get going. While addressing the issue, former Pakistan batter, Shoaib Malik had advised a hybrid approach.

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"Saim Ayub plays with high-risk and this kind of batter has less chance of being consistent. If there are high-scoring matches, Pakistan should open with Saim but if the matches are being played at a par score of 160 and 170, Babar-Rizwan should open," said Malik.