ISLAMABAD: In-form Pakistani batter Muhammad Rizwan will play today, Wednesday, against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022 clash between the two sides, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed.

Afghanistan began their bid for Asia Cup 2022 on a strong note, defeating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in their opening two games in the tournament. However, Afghanistan lost to Sri Lanka by four wickets last week.

Pakistan have already been jolted by injuries to pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Mohammad Wasim. Afridi and Wasim have been ruled out of the tournament.

Rizwan suffered a strain after making a risky landing on his right leg in a match against India. The opening batter did not train with the team at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai on Tuesday.

“He [Rizwan] is being monitored by the team medics and he will be available to play tomorrow’s match against Afghanistan in Sharjah,” the PCB said on Tuesday.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have won their last two encounters against Hong Kong and India. To qualify for the final, Pakistan have to win at least one of their two remaining matches in the tournament and finish with a better net run rate than either Afghanistan or Sri Lanka.

Rizwan was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory over India on Sunday, scoring an impressive 71 off 51 balls to see his team through to the Super Four stage.

Pakistan, one of the strongest contenders for the title this year, have won the trophy only twice— once in 2000 and the second time in 2012.