Pakistan called up batting all-rounder Mohammad Haris to replace the injured Fakhar Zaman just hours before their crucial T20 World Cup match against South Africa in Sydney.
Haris, who can also bowl off-spin and maintain wicket, was approved as a replacement for Zaman, who was ruled out of the competition due to a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Haris, who is 21 years old, had only previously participated in one T20 international, against England in Lahore in September.
He opened the batting with Babar Azam, scoring seven runs, and maintained wicket as England cruised to an eight-wicket victory in 15 overs.
Middle-order batsman Zaman was a risky late replacement for legspinner Usman Qadir after knee concerns prevented him from making Pakistan’s initial 15-man T20 World Cup roster.
Fakhar missed the losses against India and Zimbabwe before making his return on Sunday against the Netherlands in Perth, where he scored 20 runs off 16 balls but worsened his knee injury.
Haris has appeared in four one-day internationals for Pakistan, with a best score of six against the West Indies in June of this year in Multan.
Pakistan must win Thursday evening’s match against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground if it hopes to reach the semifinals.