Pakistan and Sri Lanka are squaring off in the penultimate Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2023 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This match is crucial as the winner will go on to face India in the final on Sunday.

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Unfortunately, Pakistan were dealt with a major blow ahead of their match against Sri Lanka. Their two star pacers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, sustained injuries during their previous game against India. Naseem has already been ruled out of the Asia Cup, while Rauf is being closely monitored by the PCB medical team.

Rauf will not be playing in the match against Sri Lanka, but there is a possibility that he might be able to participate in the final if his team reaches that stage and the medical team gives him clearance. The trio of Shaheen Afridi, Rauf, and Shah have played a significant role in Pakistan's consistent performances and rise in the ODI format over the past few months.

With the absence of his bowling partners, Afridi will now have to shoulder additional responsibility. Zaman Khan has replaced Shah in the squad, while Shahnawaz Dahani has been brought in as backup for Rauf.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss on Thursday and chose to bat first. He mentioned that the pitches at the venue tend to behave differently in the second innings under the lights, which influenced his decision.

"We are going to bat first. We just want to have run on the board and put pressure on them. The pitches are behaving differently in the second innings. Imam has a back spasm so he's not playing. Fakhar is back. And Saud Shakeel has a fever so Abdullah Shafique is playing," Babar said.

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