Rizwan and Niazi Out of Pakistan’s T20I Series Against New Zealand Due to Injury

Pakistan’s T20I series against New Zealand has been marred by injuries, with Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan Niazi both ruled out of the remainder of the series due to hamstring injuries.

Rizwan sustained his injury while batting in the third T20I, requiring on-field attention before retiring hurt. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Rizwan’s hamstring injury is expected to sideline him for approximately one to ten days, with no immediate threat to his participation in future tours. Meanwhile, Niazi, despite showing no signs of discomfort during the game, has also been withdrawn from the series due to a hamstring niggle.

The absence of Rizwan and Niazi compounds Pakistan’s injury woes, with Azam Khan already unavailable for the tour due to injury. While Haseebullah was called up as cover for Azam, no further replacements have been announced for Rizwan and Niazi.

In Rizwan’s absence, Pakistan has wicketkeeping options available, with Haseebullah, a wicketkeeper-batter, waiting in the wings. Additionally, Usman Khan, who has previously kept wicket for the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), presents another option behind the stumps.

The injuries to key players come at a crucial juncture for Pakistan, with the series delicately poised heading into the final matches in Lahore. After New Zealand’s resurgence in the series, leveling the score in Pindi following a defeat in the second T20I, Pakistan will be hoping to overcome the setbacks and secure victory in the remaining games.