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Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has tested positive for COVID-19 and hence is set to miss the remaining two T20Is against England. The update was confirmed by Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday. Shah was discharged from the hospital on Thursday after being diagnosed with pneumonia and the PCB said the fast bowler was feeling “much better.”
Naseem has only played one game i n the seven-match series against England in Karachi before being rested for his illness. In the only match he played, Shah had registered figures of 0-41 in his four overs which England won by six wickets. He was admitted to the hospital late on Tuesday in Lahore as he was dealing with a chest infection and high fever.
“Shah is back in the team hotel where he will follow all COVID-19 protocols,” the PCB said in a statement. Pakistan is will be leaving for New Zealand next Monday for their triangular T20 series which will also include Bangladesh. The PCB hasn’t clarified whether the fast bowler will accompany the team to New Zealand.
Talking about the ongoing tour, Pakistan is leading the seven-game series 3-2 with back-to-back wins in Karachi and Lahore in the last two games. The England team had sub-par performances as they couldn’t chase down below-par totals. The remaining two matches will be played on Friday and Sunday in Lahore.
Addressing the recent fixture, Pakistan defended their 145-run total, thanks to an incredible combined bowling effort. All bowlers, barring Haris Rauf, had an economy under eight. This performance received a lot of praise from the Men in Green captain Babar Azam as he said, “Shadab, the way he came back, the way he started was nice to see especially after an injury. The way Rizwan built the innings, the pitch was two-paced and he played well.”
“The confidence of Aamer Jamal was high and he was confident he could do it in that last over. To win T20Is, you need wickets and in the middle overs, Shadab produced that. These things build up the team and gives us confidence”, the Pakistan skipper further added.
