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In a major boost to Pakistan, wicket keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and middle-order batter Shoaib Malik have been declared fit to play in the team's semifinal clash against Australia in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The PCB medical panel assessed the duo on Thursday afternoon and made the decision.
Both Malik and Rizwan did not turn up for practice on the eve of semifinal due to flu. Both of them had tested negative for Covid-19, however, the doctor had advised them rest. Both the players have recovered from flu and cleared the fitness test on Thursday. As a result, they will be available for the semi-final today.
Both Rizwan and Malik have performed well during Pakistan's unbeaten campaign in the T20 WC and losing either of them could be a big blow for the tournament favorites. Opener Rizwan is in terrific form and has scored 214 runs in five games. Meanwhile, Malik made 50 off just 18 balls against Scotland, smashing the joint fastest fifty of this World Cup with KL Rahul.
Notably, Pakistan are the only unbeaten side so far in the ongoing tournament, having won all five games. Pakistan defeated India, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia to become the first team to reach the semis. Meanwhile, Australia have only lost just one match in the tournament, which came against England.