Umar Akmal doubtful for semi-final clash against Oz in T20 WC

St.LUCIA - Young Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal is a doubtful starter for today’s World T20 Championship semi-final clash against Australia.

According to reports, Umar was taken to a local hospital here after he complained of back pain, and would be going through an MRI scan later.

Any final decision regarding Umar’s inclusion in the final eleven for the all important match against the Kangaroos would be taken after his MRI report comes, The News quoted sources in the Pakistani dressing room, as saying.

There are speculations that uncapped young batsman Hammad Azam may replace Umar, if he is declared unfit to play.

Umar’s absence could severely dent Pakistan’s hopes of playing in the final of the ICC World T20 Championship for the second consecutive time, as he has been in good form in the ongoing tournament.

He scored a brilliant 51 of 43 balls in the last Super Eight match against South Africa at the Beausejour Stadium here, which helped Pakistan register an easy 11 run win knocking the Proteas out from the tournament. (ANI)