Injured Rauf and Naseem doubtful for remainder of Asia Cup

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah's participation in the rest of the Asia Cup is in doubt after they picked up injuries during the Super Four game against India in Colombo over Sunday and Monday.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the fast bowlers are almost certain to miss Pakistan's next game, against Sri Lanka on Thursday, and they are also uncertain for the final - should Pakistan get there.

Pakistan have called up Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan as back-ups for the injured duo. The PCB has, however, made it clear that Rauf and Naseem have not been ruled out of the tournament and would remain under the observation of the team's medical panel.

"This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup next month," a PCB media statement said. "Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team's medical panel. The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days."

Rauf felt "a little discomfort in his right flank" on Sunday, which prevented him from taking the field on Monday, while Naseem went off in the 49th over of India's innings on the reserve day with an injury to his bowling shoulder. Neither batted in Pakistan's chase, which ended on 128, giving India a 228-run win.

It capped a poor two days for Pakistan, during which all three premier fast bowlers - Shaheen Shah Afridi the third - went off the field nursing injuries at some point or other.

Pakistan found themselves outplayed in all departments right from the outset, with India amassing 356 for 2 in their 50 overs across two days. Pakistan were never in the hunt in their chase, losing regular wickets and collapsing either side of a lengthy rain break on Monday.