Asif unlikely for last two ODIs

Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan fast bowler, is likely to be rested from the last two one-day internationals to be played against South Africa on October 26 and 29. The national selectors want to give Asif a proper rest before Pakistan's tour of India beginning in the first week of November.

Asif missed the first three matches of the one-day series, which Pakistan lead 2-1, due to an elbow injury sustained during the second Test against South Africa in Lahore.

"He [Asif] is not certain to play in the last two games because we need him in India for the Tests and one-day internationals and he is a proven performer," chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed told Reuters.

Pakistan are also waiting on the fitness of left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, who is suffering from a groin injury.