Shaheen Afridi ruled out of second Sri Lanka Test

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi will miss the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle due to a knee injury.

Afridi, the 2021 ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year, suffered an injury to his knee during day four of the first Test. Pakistan mounted an incredible chase in the first Test, to win the contest by four wickets. The visitors chased down a target of 342.

Afridi was impressive in the opening Test, registering figures of 4/58 and 0/21. The injury to the pace spearhead will be a big blow for Pakistan, who are aiming to seal the series and strengthen their position on the World Test Championship table. 

Afridi will miss the Test but stay back in Sri Lanka to continue his rehabilitation, according to sources.  

In Afridi's absence, the team management could draft in all-rounder Faheem Ashraf or pacer Haris Rauf.  

With a win in the second Test, Pakistan could further close the distance on South Africa and Australia in the World Test Championship standings. Pakistan currently occupy the third spot, with a point percentage of 58.33.