Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan Niazi won’t play the rest of the T20I series against New Zealand. The PCB announced they received radiology reports for both players and decided to pull them out of the series.
Rizwan injured his hamstring while batting in the third T20I and had to leave the field after receiving medical attention. The PCB mentioned his injury isn’t severe, expecting him to be out for around a week to ten days. Niazi, though not showing any discomfort during the game, is believed to have a hamstring issue as well.
This adds to Pakistan’s injury list, with Azam Khan also unavailable. However, it’s stated that Khan only needs 10 days of rest, indicating no long-term issue. While Haseebullah was called up as a cover for Khan, no further replacements have been announced.
Pakistan has backup wicketkeeping options in Haseebullah and Usman Khan, who kept wicket for Multan Sultans in the PSL.
The injuries come at a crucial time for Pakistan as they head into the Lahore matches with the series on the line. After a heavy defeat in the second T20I, New Zealand leveled the series in Rawalpindi, making the Lahore matches decisive.
The series is evenly balanced with Pakistan winning the second T20I after the first one was rained out. Mark Chapman led New Zealand to a significant victory in the third match, tying the series 1-1 as they head into the fourth game on April 25.
PAK vs NZ: Squads
Pakistan:
- – Babar Azam (captain)
- – Abrar Ahmed
- – Azam Khan
- – Fakhar Zaman
- – Iftikhar Ahmed
- – Imad Wasim
- – Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- – Mohammad Rizwan
- – Mohammad Amir
- – Muhammad Irfan Khan
- – Naseem Shah
- – Saim Ayub
- – Shadab Khan
- – Shaheen Shah Afridi
- – Usama Mir
- – Usman Khan
- – Zaman Khan
Non-travelling reserves:
- – Haseebullah
- – Mohammad Ali
- – Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- – Sahibzada Farhan
- – Salman Ali Agha
New Zealand:
- – Michael Bracewell (c)
- – Finn Allen
- – Mark Chapman
- – Josh Clarkson
- – Jacob Duffy
- – Dean Foxcroft
- – Ben Lister
- – Cole McConchie
- – Adam Milne
- – Jimmy Neesham
- – Will O’Rourke
- – Tim Robinson
- – Ben Sears
- – Tim Seifert (WK)
- – Ish Sodhi