Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net from South Africa, Tour manager Yawar Saeed confirmed that Umar Akmal will play against India, despite concerns over a hand injury sustained after being hit by a beamer from West Indies pace bowler Tino Best.

"Umar is ok, the medical team have looked at the injury and he will definitely play against India. We are all relieved that Umar is fine, as it could have been a very serious injury that he sustained had the ball smashed into an unprotected part of his hand" said Yawar.

Yawar who will be retiring after the Champions Trophy tournament further added when asked about the Johannesburg pitch "We weren't surprised at the nature of the surface at the Wanderers. You have to remember that its very early in the season in South Africa and normally their domestic season doesn't start until the end of September. Our boys were ready for such a surface and we were not caught out by such a pitch".

Yawar further added that "the boys were in good spirits and looking forward to Saturday's encounter against India".