PAK vs USA: Injury concerns have once again become a headache for the Babar Azam-led Pakistan as they begin their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 run against one of the hosts – the United States of America. In a big setback, senior all-rounder Imad Wasim is set to miss Pakistan’s opening match against the USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on June 06, 2024.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam confirmed Imad Wasim’s unavailability for the match against the USA in Dallas due to a side strain.
“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.
He further informed that Imad Wasim is not fully recovered and the medical team is closely monitoring the progress of the all-rounder.
“The medical staff is monitoring him and he will be available for the remaining matches in the World Cup,” he added.
Notably, Imad Wasim revoked his international retirement to make himself available for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 selection. The all-rounder had hung his boots in November 2023, however, a strong show in the recent edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) convinced him to take a U-turn.
Following his exploits in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, Pakistan’s selection committee straight away brought him into the Pakistani squad knowing his capabilities and prowesses.
In addition to Imad Wasim, Pakistan also named veteran pacer Mohammad Amir in their squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, after he reversed his call of international retirement. The pacer had bid adieu to international cricket in 2021, however, he was active in the T20 leagues across the four corners of the world.
PAK vs USA – T20 World Cup 2024
Babar Azam-led Pakistan kicks off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against the USA on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. While it will be an opening fixture for Pakistan, the USA will take the guard for the second game of the tournament.
The USA has already dominated Canada in the tournament opener on June 1 at the same venue which is slated to host the PAK vs USA clash. The hosts were on top of their games with the likes of Aaron Jones and Andries Gous starring during the match.
On the other side, Pakistan faced a defeat in their four-match T20I series against England held just a few days prior to the start of the T20 World Cup 2024. The two games of the series were washed out due to rain but in the remaining two matches, Jos Buttler-led England came on top and thrashed Pakistan convincingly.
Pakistan won’t see the USA as a potential threat to them under any circumstances. Pakistan are a far better side in all dimensions than the USA and they would love to begin their run with a dominating win.
