July 02, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 27, 1429

KARACHI, July 1: All-rounders Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi have been included in the final line-up along with debutant off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and medium-pacer Abdur Rauf for the all-important game against India in the Asia Cup, to be held here on Wednesday.

Shoaib’s selection had been doubtful due to fitness problems while Afridi was under fire due to his poor performance in the recent past.

“Shoaib has cleared all medical tests late in the afternoon, therefore, he will lead the team,” chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed told Dawn after having a meeting with the team management to finalise the team at the Defence Stadium.

“Though Afridi is looking out of form, the selectors and the team management have decided unanimously to include him as a senior member because he is better choice for the crunch game. Therefore, leg-spinner Mansoor Amjad will take rest,” he said.

“Rauf has been given a chance in place of Wahab Riaz as the selectors have picked up the best available team, which has the potential to deliver and hopefully it will beat India,” Salahuddin said.

Though Shoaib has been selected, he was looking weak when he visited the Defence Stadium.

The captain had visited hospital due to dehydration. He preferred to lead the team as his absence from the crucial match could not only down the morale of the players but he would also have to face criticism in case of defeat.

Saeed, who has been selected after picking 50 wickets in the domestic circuit, will make the debut. While Rauf, who made his debut in the last home series against Zimbabwe, will play his second ODI.