Haris and Naseem are still in contention for the World Cup despite their injuries.

Haris and Naseem are still in contention for the World Cup despite their injuries.

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah remain essential to Pakistan’s World Cup hopes after their absence caused them to lose the Asia Cup.

Azam’s team lost by two wickets to fellow co-hosts Sri Lanka in a Super Four knockout game cut short by rain on Thursday in Colombo.

Azam says Haris Rauf will recover in time for the World Cup despite a minor side strain.

Naseem Shah has missed some games, but I’m not sure how well he’s recovering. He should play in the World Cup, however.”

In Pakistan’s 42-over-a-side match against Sri Lanka, the pace duo missed out on 252.

Charith Asalanka scored four and a double off Zaman Khan’s final two balls in that match to guide his team to victory.

According to Azam, “We put in a lot of effort, but we didn’t finish strong. When you lose your best bowlers, that costs you and your team.”

Zaman, who impressed in the Pakistan Super League, bowled the opening four deliveries for just two runs, including a wicket in order to defend eight runs.

Asalanka, who scored 49, gave the home crowd reason for cheers with his decisive hit, sending Sri Lanka into their 11th Asia Cup final.

Azam promised that his squad would learn from their mistakes and perform better in India the following month in a highly anticipated match on October 14.

There is a problem with the bowling in the middle overs, according to Azam. We will try to rectify this before the World Cup.”