Pakistan confronted an enormous blow throughout the third ODI match towards New Zealand on Saturday in Mount Maunganui. Requested to bat first, the Kiwis posted a complete of 264/8 with skipper Michael Bracewell and Rhys Mariu scoring 59 and 58 runs respectively. For Pakistan, Akif Javed was the star bowler as he scalped 4 wickets. Nevertheless, when Pakistan got here out for the chase, their star opener Imam-ul-Haq suffered an enormous damage and needed to be carried off the sector.
The incident befell within the third over when Imam performed a shot off William O’Rourke and ran for a single. Whereas he was finishing his run, a fielder grabbed the ball and threw it in direction of the non-striker’s finish. Nevertheless, the ball brutally hit Imam on his left jaw and received caught into the helmet.
Imam ul Haq retired harm#PAKvNZ #PakistanCricket #Cricket pic.twitter.com/ulUYUzrPtx
— Urooj Jawed (@uroojjawed12) April 5, 2025
The left-handed appeared visibly in ache as he fell down on the bottom and known as for assist. The crew physio got here operating and checked on him and declared him unfit to proceed the match.
Imam was then carried off the sector in a buggy ambulance. Pakistan’s explosive batter Usman Khan was called-in because the alternative of Imam for the remainder of the sport.
Following a medical evaluation, the crew administration confirmed that Imam had sustained a concussion and would play no additional half within the recreation.
As per ICC rules, a crew is allowed to usher in a like-for-like concussion substitute in such situations. Pakistan named Usman Khan as Imam’s alternative – a transfer effectively throughout the framework of the principles.
“Usman Khan has been named the concussion substitute for Imam-ul-Haq, who sustained an damage after being struck on the jaw by the ball,” the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed in a social media publish.
Usman, who had impressed with a fast cameo within the collection opener earlier than lacking the second recreation as a result of a hamstring concern, returned to the sector however did not make a significant influence. He was dismissed for simply 12 runs by New Zealand pacer Mohammad Abbas.
This incident marks the second consecutive ODI wherein a Pakistani participant has suffered a concussion. Within the earlier match, Naseem Shah had changed Haris Rauf, who was hit on the helmet whereas batting.
(With ANI Inputs)
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