Reports: Mohammad Rizwan, Shoaib Malik declared fit for T20 World Cup semi-final clash against Australia

In what can be called a massive sigh of relief for the Pakistan team, Mohmmad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik have cleared the fitness test and will be available for the semi-final clash against Australia on Thursday (November 11). The duo missed the practice session after suffering mild flu. Their participation in the knock-out game was also under dark clouds.

Although Malik and Rizwan had cleared their respective COVID tests, the team doctor, Dr Najeeb Soomro, advised them to rest. However, they were declared match fit a day later and Pakistan management would be relieved. After all, both these players have been in phenomenal form in the T20 World Cup 2021. While Rizwan is Pakistan’s second highest run-scorer with 214 runs, Malik slammed the joint-fastest fifty of the competition, along with India’s KL Rahul, in just 18 balls against Scotland.

Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik have been in impressive form in the T20 World Cup 2021

Hence, their absence could have hurt the Pakistan team big team. Nevertheless, they received clearance to play the match on the eve of the encounter.  Meanwhile, the major report was carried out by Cricket Pakistan. It suggested that the team doctor conducted a few more tests of the matchday and subsequently declared the duo match fit.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been conducting regular COVID-19 tests throughout the tournament to avoid any mishap. Pakistan team also underwent a test recently and every member including Rizwan and Malik returned negative.

“Both players (Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik) were tested for COVID-19 and both tested negative. As with the rest of their squad, they have cleared regular COVID-19 testing through the tournament, including one a couple of days ago. That is part of the ICC’s policy to encourage teams to test as often as possible,” ESPNcricinfo had reported.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have been on a roll in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. Having thrived in all three departments, the Babar Azam-led side is the only side to win its all five matches in the Super 12 stage. On the other hand, the Aussies won four of their five games. Hence, an interesting contest is on the cards and both teams must leave no stones unturned to get a favourable result.