Pakistan received a hammering at the hands of India by 228 runs in Match 9 of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday (September 11). In a game that went into the reserve day due to bad weather on Sunday, Pakistan were routed as India played the near perfect game to record their biggest win by margin of runs over the arch-rivals in ODIs.

Virat Kohli (122*) and KL Rahul (111*) smashed centuries, while Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58) made half-centuries as India posted 356/2 on the board after Pakistan opted to bowl first in the Super-4 encounter.

In reply, Babar Azam & co. were blown over for just 128 in 32 overs as they had no answers to the mastery of Kuldeep Yadav, who picked 5/25, his second five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. 

What added to the misery for Pakistan was not just the defeat to India, but the injuries to pacers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Rauf felt pain in his right flank, which meant he didn't bowl on Monday, while Naseem hurt his bowling shoulder in the 49th over of India's innings. Both did not come out to bat and are doubtful for Pakistan's next clash against Sri Lanka and possibly for the final if they qualify.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have called up backup seamers and Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan, as a precautionary measure should one or both, Rauf and Naseem don't recover well enough to play again in the tournament.

“This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup next month,” a PCB media statement said. “Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team's medical panel. The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days.” it added.