Pakistan coach Waqar Younis erased doubts over the fitness of spearhead Mohammad Irfan who was injured during the World Cup 129-run win over the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
“I don’t think it’s a major concern,” said Waqar after the match. “He has an issue with his gluteus and it’s an old problem.
“Irfan will be fine in the next couple of days and will play against South Africa.”
Irfan, the tallest ever cricketer at 7 feet, one inch, managed to bowl just three overs and hurt his hip in the field on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old paceman has taken six wickets in the tournament with a best of 4-30 against Zimbabwe in Brisbane on Sunday.
He will be key in Pakistan’s crunch game against South Africa in Auckland on Saturday.
Pakistan have four points in as many games and need to win their next two games — the last against Ireland in Adelaide on March 15.