Pakistan’s opening batter Usman Khan will miss the second ODI against New Zealand on April 2 due to a hamstring injury. He sustained the injury while fielding in the first ODI at McLean Park in Napier. An MRI scan confirmed a low-grade tear, making him unavailable for the upcoming match at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Pakistan Faces Another Setback
Pakistan, already struggling after a 4-1 loss in the T20I series, suffered another blow in the ODI opener. Chasing 344, the team looked strong at 249-3 in the 39th over but collapsed under pressure. They were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs, losing the match by 73 runs.
New Zealandās Dominant Performance
Batting first, New Zealand posted an imposing total of 344 runs. Mark Chapman led the charge with a brilliant 132, while debutant Muhammad Abbas smashed a rapid fifty off 24 balls.
Pakistanās bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwi batters. Nathan Smith (4-60) was the standout performer for New Zealand in the bowling department, dismissing key players at crucial moments. Jacob Duffy took two wickets, while Bracewell, Abbas, and OāRourke chipped in with one each.
Read:Ā Mohammad Rizwan Stresses Comeback After Pakistanās ODI Loss to New Zealand
Pakistanās Collapse
Pakistan started well, keeping up with the required run rate. However, their momentum shifted when Babar Azam fell, triggering a batting collapse. Tayyab Tahirās run-out and Irfan Khan Niaziās golden duck left the team in deep trouble at 253-6.
Nathan Smith turned the game further in New Zealandās favor, dismissing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over. Salman Ali Agha fought hard, scoring 58, but his dismissal sealed Pakistanās fate. Akif Javed fell last, as Pakistan’s innings ended in 44.1 overs.
Pakistanās Squad for ODI Series
Despite Usman Khanās injury, Pakistan has a strong squad for the remaining ODIs:
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Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim.
With Usman ruled out, Pakistan might need to rework their opening combination as they aim to bounce back in the second ODI.
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