Naseem Shah Set to Return for Second ODI Against Australia After Injury Scare

Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah, who sustained a foot injury during the first ODI against Australia, may make a return for the second match of the series. After leaving the field in Melbourne due to discomfort, Naseem’s participation in today’s practice session in Adelaide has renewed hopes for his availability in the upcoming match.

During the first game, Naseem’s exit meant Pakistan turned to Mohammad Hasnain to complete his quota. Hasnain filled in effectively, taking one wicket for 39 runs in 7.2 overs and contributing a valuable 40 runs with the bat. Despite these efforts, Pakistan narrowly lost to Australia by two wickets, a result that Captain Muhammad Rizwan addressed in the post-match conference. Rizwan commended the team’s resilience, specifically noting Haris Rauf’s stellar bowling performance, which kept Pakistan competitive until the end.

Changes are likely for the Adelaide match, where Pakistan historically struggles, having won only once in eight appearances. Spin options Arafat Minhas and Faisal Akram may join the playing eleven, and the team is reportedly considering resting one of the fast bowlers.

Pakistan’s only win in Adelaide came in 1996, under the leadership of Wasim Akram, in a game that saw Saqlain Mushtaq’s five-wicket haul as the defining moment. For now, fans are eager to see if the national team can break the streak and turn the series around with Naseem back in action.