PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I: In a big injury blow for Pakistan amidst their T20I series against New Zealand, wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing T20 leg. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Saturday, confirmed the development advising Azam to rest for a few days.
Notably, Azam Khan looked in some discomfort during one of the practice sessions ahead of the PAK vs NZ T20I series. He seemed to have some trouble in his right calf as he trained at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The 25-year-old batter was subsequently sent for the radiology reports to check for any injuries. The radiology reports confirmed a grade one tear on his right calf muscle.
“Azam Khan has been advised to undergo a 10-day rest following radiology reports confirming a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle,” the PCB said in a statement.
As a result of the tear, Azam Khan will not be able to partake in any of the action between Pakistan and New Zealand in the ongoing five-match T20I series, which began on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Azam Khan is, soon, expected to bid goodbye to his mates at the national men’s team and report at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) where he will continue his rehabilitation under the watchful eyes of the medical staff.
PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I: New Zealand lose 3 wickets against Pakistan
The second of the five T20I fixtures between Pakistan and New Zealand is currently underway at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
After opting to bowl first, Pakistan have damaged Pakistan’s top order with three quick wickets in the powerplay itself.
While Shaheen Shah Afridi removed wicketkeeper batter Tim Siefert in the second over, Mohammad Amir got a twin strike as he dismissed Tim Robinson and Dean Foxcroft in his successive overs.
As things currently stand, in the seventh over, New Zealand have scored 42 runs after losing three wickets.
Notably, the PAK vs NZ 1st T20I ended with no result as the rain ultimately played spoilsport. Only two balls could be possible during the entire fixture, which saw Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissing Tim Robinson at a nought.
ALSO READ: BCCI reportedly confirms 10 players for T20 World Cup 2024; squad to be announced on this date