Misbah-ul-Haq to miss remaining ODIs against New Zealand

Sharjah (UAE), Dec 14 (IANS) Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq will miss the next three matches of the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand as he suffered a hamstring injury during the second ODI on Friday.

Misbah sustained the injury in the third over of New Zealand's chase in Sharjah. The Black Caps won the tie by four wickets. He did not take the field for the rest of that game, reports ESPNcricinfo.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is, however, yet to decide whether Misbah will stay with the team or return to Pakistan. Veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi will lead the side in the 40-year-old's absence.

The series is currently tied at 1-1, with three games to go. The third ODI will be played on Sunday. Pakistan are also without the services of experienced pacer Umar Gul and all-rounder Bilawal Bhatti.

Gul, who made his return to international cricket in this series after a long injury lay-off, was left out of the second ODI due to a bruised tendon in his left ankle. Bhatti, meanwhile, is out with a hand injury.