Champions Trophy: Injury Alarm for Pakistan as Fakhar Zaman Exits Early Against New Zealand
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Synopsis
Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign faced a setback as opener Fakhar Zaman exited early due to a lower-back injury during the match against New Zealand. Despite this scare, the team remained hopeful with Haris Rauf's fitness. The game also marked the return of ICC tournament cricket to Pakistan after 27 years.
Key Takeaways
- Fakhar Zaman's early exit due to injury.
- Kamran Ghulam stepped in as a substitute fielder.
- Haris Rauf returned to the lineup after injury.
- Rachin Ravindra was ruled out due to a head injury.
- Historic return of ICC cricket to Pakistan.
Karachi, Feb 19 (NationPress) Pakistan’s Champions Trophy title defense began on a troubling note, as opener Fakhar Zaman had to exit the field just two deliveries into their inaugural match against New Zealand at the National Stadium.
Zaman seemed to sustain a lower-back injury while attempting to chase down a boundary, sending an early shockwave through Pakistan’s title defense.
The New Zealand opener, Will Young, had driven Shaheen Afridi through the covers, prompting Zaman to dash after the ball. Although he successfully relayed it to Babar Azam, the left-hander quickly indicated his discomfort and departed the field accompanied by the team physio. Consequently, Kamran Ghulam was brought in as a substitute fielder.
This incident cast an ominous cloud over Pakistan’s campaign. Saim Ayub had previously suffered an ankle fracture while pursuing a ball in a Test against South Africa, which ruled him out of the Champions Trophy and led Pakistan to reinstate Zaman into their ODI squad.
Despite this injury scare, Pakistan received some pre-match encouragement, with fast bowler Haris Rauf cleared to play. Rauf, who had suffered a side strain during a recent triangular series, was a welcome asset to the bowling lineup.
Nevertheless, New Zealand faced their own fitness issues, as all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was unavailable. The young player was sidelined after being struck on the forehead while attempting a catch in the 38th over of their previous match against Pakistan in the ODI tri-series.
Although he trained yesterday and displayed no signs of delayed concussion, the BlackCaps decided to keep him off the field for this game.
This match also marked a significant moment, as ICC tournament cricket returned to Pakistan for the first time since 1996. Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first against New Zealand.
