Karachi, Sep 24 (Inditop.com) Pakistan received good news Thursday when it was confirmed its captain Younis Khan has recovered from a hairline fracture and will be available for the much-awaited Champions Trophy clash against India at Centurion Saturday.
In a media statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Thursday that Younis has been declared fit for the big Pool A game against India after missing the Champions Trophy opener against the West Indies at the Wanderers Wednesday.
Pakistan beat the West Indies by five wickets in that game and can confirm its place in the semifinals of the eight-nation tournament by beating India in Saturday’s match.
Younis, one of Pakistan’s most dependable batsmen, suffered a hairline fracture in his right hand index finger during his team’s practice match against Warriors at Willowmoore Park in Benoni Sep 20.
“After detailed examination of injury Younis was advised rest by the doctors and is under treatment,” said the PCB statement. “He has been under medication and could have played the match against West Indies but the team management decided not to take risk so that he could be fully fit and available for the crunch game against archrivals India,” added the statement.
In the absence of Younis, vice-captain Shahid Afridi led Pakistan against the West Indies. Pakistan suffered a few hiccups before recording a five-wicket win in that game.