Pakistan’s Champions Trophy title defense began on an unfortunate note, as star batter, Fakhar Zaman was forced off the field after just two deliveries in their opening match against New Zealand in Karachi.
The incident occurred when New Zealand opener Will Young drove Shaheen Afridi through the covers, with Zaman chasing the ball. He managed to cut it off and pass it to Babar Azam, but immediately showed signs of discomfort in his lower back.
Zaman signaled that he needed to be replaced and went off the field with the physio. However, he walked back to the dressing room unaided.
He later returned after New Zealand lost their second wicket in the ninth over.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement saying, "Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain, and further updates will be provided in due course.”
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This injury came in a similar situation to Saim Ayub’s, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury sustained during a Test against South Africa.
Ayub had twisted his ankle while chasing a ball to the boundary, which resulted in a fracture that will keep him out until at least mid-March.
Fakhar, who wasn’t originally part of Pakistan’s ODI plans, had stepped in as Ayub’s replacement and had made a strong return, scoring 84 off 69 and 41 off 28 in his first two matches.
On a more positive note, Pakistan received a fitness boost before the game, with Haris Rauf cleared to play. He had been recovering from a side strain sustained in the opening match of the recent triangular series involving Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
On the New Zealand side, Rachin Ravindra had suffered an injury while fielding, when a mis-hit ball struck him on the forehead. He needed stitches but showed no signs of delayed concussion during training.
Despite this, Ravindra did not play in the match but was seen bringing drinks to New Zealand’s batters.
