Usman Khan ruled out of second ODI against New Zealand

HAMILTON: Pakistan opener Usman Khan was ruled out of the second One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury.

The right-handed batter suffered the injury while fielding in the first ODI against New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier on Friday.

According to the details, an MRI scan revealed a low-grade tear, ruling Usman Khan out of the second ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

The 29-year-old batter made his ODI debut in the first match against the Black Caps. He scored 39 off 33 deliveries, laced with two sixes and four fours.

Usman Khan was roped in the series opener after the opening batter Imam Ul Haq was unavailable for selection due to injury.

In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), it was confirmed that Imam sustained a soft tissue injury to his right big toe during a practice session.

“Imam-ul-Haq will not be available for the first ODI against New Zealand due to a soft tissue injury to his right big toe sustained during yesterday’s practice session. He is under medical management, and further updates will be provided in due course,” the PCB stated.

Pakistan lost the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand by 73 runs

Chasing a daunting 345-run target, Pakistan faltered under the pressure of New Zealand’s pace attack, folding for 271 in 44.1 overs.

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Pakistan’s chase began on a promising note as debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique put together a brisk 83-run opening stand.

Both batters looked aggressive, setting a solid platform before Nathan Smith broke the partnership in the 13th over, removing Usman for 39. Skipper Michael Bracewell then dismissed Abdullah for 36 in the 16th over, reducing Pakistan to 88-2.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild with a 76-run partnership, keeping hopes alive. However, debutant Muhammad Abbas struck in the 29th over to dismiss Rizwan for 30, leaving Pakistan at 164-3.

Babar, showing his trademark composure, anchored the innings with Salman Ali Agha in an 89-run stand.

The former captain reached his 36th ODI fifty, scoring a fluent 78, but his dismissal in the 39th over to Will O’Rourke tilted the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.

Pakistan’s collapse began soon after as Tayyab Tahir was run out in the 40th over, followed by a golden duck for Irfan Khan Niazi.

Smith then returned to clean up the tail, dismissing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over.

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