2 July 2008

Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has recovered from a side strain and is fit to play against Pakistan in their Asia Cup clash in Karachi, but Pakistan may be without captain Shoaib Malik, who has been suffering from severe dehydration.

India coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Pathan had made a full recovery from the side strain that ruled him out of the start of the tournament. India are unbeaten after they chased 300 to beat Pakistan in their group match.

Malik retired hurt during that match after scoring 125 and did not take the field during their next match against Sri Lanka and if he is not fit to play, Misbah-ul-Haq will take over as captain leaving the Pakistan team needing to find another opening batsman to join Salman Butt, with Nasir Jamshed or Shahid Afridi the likely replacements.

Cricket World® Radio will be covering the closing stages of the match.

Asia Cup 2007/8