Pakistan will be without star fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan for their World Cup quarter-final against Australia after he was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

The giant left-armer underwent MRI scans of his pelvis on Monday and Tuesday and team physiotherapist Brad Robinson said the second scan confirmed an obvious stress fracture.

In a statement announcing the injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board said they would await the result of the match against Australia before considering a replacement.

Irfan has been a crucial part of Pakistan’s progression to the last eight, having taken 4-30 against Zimbabwe and 3-52 in the upset win over South Africa. – cricket.com.au

NEW ZEALAND BACK SRI LANKA IN QF

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is leaning towards Sri Lanka to topple South Africa in Wednesday’s first Cricket World Cup quarterfinal which sets up a potential meeting with his side in Auckland.

Hesson, his management and players will be glued to the hotel televisions on Wednesday as the knockout rounds get under way, with the winner of the Sydney match heading to Auckland for a semifinal against either the Black Caps or West Indies next Tuesday.

‘That’s a massive game on our side of the draw. It’ll be interesting in Sydney and winning the toss and batting over there is pretty important if it’s going to turn,’ he said.

Asked to label a winner, Hesson said: ‘I think Sri Lanka are dangerous in those conditions and South Africa are going to have to play well.’ – stuff.co.nz