Pakistan aim to secure semi-final place in World Cup clash with Black Caps

BENGALURU (Reuters/AFP) - Pakistan aim to make a late push to secure a semi-final place in the must-win clash with New Zealand on Saturday.

Shadab Khan remains a doubt for their World Cup game against New Zealand after suffering concussion, team director Mickey Arthur said on Friday, although the all-rounder passed a preliminary test. Shadab landed awkwardly on his shoulder and his head hit the ground during their narrow loss to South Africa last week. He was replaced by Usama Mir, who also took his spot in the team for their win over Bangladesh. It was Shadab's third concussion since September last year and although he trained at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, Arthur said they will take a late call.

"The latest update is Shadab went through a preliminary test today, which you've got to do as per medical protocol," Arthur told reporters ahead of Saturday's contest. He came through that OK, but we're in no position yet to make a decision on him. Concussion is a really important injury, and we've got to be 100% sure before we make a decision."

Daryl Mitchell backed injury-plagued New Zealand 'to do a job' against Pakistan in a World Cup clash which is key to both sides' hopes of making the semi-finals. New Zealand have been hit by setbacks throughout the tournament and after winning their first four games have since lost three in succession. On Friday, fast bowler Matt Henry was ruled out with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Kyle Jamieson.

Regular captain Kane Williamson (thumb), all-rounder Mark Chapman (calf), fast bowler Lockie Ferguson (Achilles) and all-rounder James Neesham (wrist) are also on the injury list. That left New Zealand with just 11 fit players before their last game against South Africa which they lost by 190 runs. "A number of guys have got to get through fitness tests and pass them and we probably won't know till tonight and tomorrow morning how they pull up," said Mitchell. "We back everyone within our squad to have success and do a job for the team.

"We're all pretty clear on the roles that we're going to play if given the opportunities and yeah, we'll just go out there get stuck in as Kiwis do and hope we come around the right side."

India have already wrapped up one of the semi-final places and South Africa are virtually assured of also making the last four. That has left Australia and New Zealand both on eight points but under pressure from Pakistan and Afghanistan in the race for the final two spots. Mitchell described Pakistan as a strong team, having played eight one-day internationals against them this year. "They're world-class and have been for a long time," said Mitchell of Pakistan who beat New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup.

That time, however, New Zealand sneaked through to the semi-finals, edging out Pakistan with a better net run-rate. "We've played a lot of cricket against Pakistan, which is awesome for us. We loved touring Pakistan a few months ago and to be able to take them on here now in the World Cup's cool," said Mitchell.