Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten has given a positive update on Imad Wasim’s fitness ahead of the big clash against India in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The arch-rivals will meet in the 19th match of the tournament on Sunday (June 9) at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Imad Wasim was a major doubt for the match due to a rib injury. The issue first arose last month when Pakistan was playing the T20I series against England.
He had missed the last game of the four-game series due to the same injury. At that time, the Pakistan Cricket Board had declared that Imad Wasim missed the match due to precautionary measures. As a result, he was expected to be fit in time for Pakistan’s first match of the T20 World Cup. However, the 35-year-old missed Pakistan’s first match of the tournament against the United States earlier this week.
He was also a doubt for the match against India. However, Gary Kirsten has confirmed that Imad Wasim has made a full recovery and is available to be selected for the upcoming match against India. The former India coach confirmed the news in his speech to the media at the pre-match press conference.
📢 Head coach Gary Kirsten says Imad Wasim is fit for tomorrow’s match against India.#INDvPAK | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/6P0NOsRcqj
– Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) June 8, 2024
Gary Kirsten hopes to win against India:
Later, Gary Kirsten said that he is hopeful of winning against India. While Pakistan have bounced back several times in the World Cup in the past, Kirsten said he is not worried about the previous record and is just focusing on the next game.
“We hope so, we can win. Pakistan didn’t start well and recovered. I don’t want to look at history. The key will be to be well prepared for the match. We have to move forward. Give our best.” shot,” Kirsten said.
Pakistan began its campaign with a shock defeat against the United States earlier this week. The team led by Babar Azam did not look convincing in the match and were practically outclassed by the co-hosts. Now they will look to bounce back and beat India to get their campaign back on track. A loss against India will be a huge blow to their chances of advancing to the group stage.