Pakistan keeper-batter Azam Khan ruled out of T20I series against New Zealand
Pakistan have suffered an injury blow during their ongoing five-game T20I series against New Zealand. Wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan will miss all the matches of the rubber.
The youngster suffered a grade-one tear to his right calf muscle during a practice match before the opening fixture. As a result, he has been advised a 10-day rest.
The 25-year-old was selected in the T20I squad after performing well in PSL 9 for Islamabad United. Although he managed only 226 runs in 12 matches, the right-hander struck at 171.21 as Islamabad lifted the title for the third time.
On Saturday, the PCB issued the below statement:
"Azam Khan has been advised to undergo a 10-day rest following radiology reports confirming a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle. Azam will now depart from the Pakistan men’s cricket team and report to the National Cricket Academy, where he will commence his rehabilitation process under the supervision of the PCB medical panel."
The 25-year-old, nevertheless, is yet to make a mark in T20Is, managing only 29 runs in eight matches, averaging a paltry 4.83.
Pakistan blow away New Zealand for 90 to win 2nd T20I
After the first T20I was washed out, fans witnessed a full match in Rawalpindi. Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi were New Zealand's chief destroyers with the ball, claiming five wickets between them, as the visitors were bundled out for 90. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan picked up two each, while Naseem Shah took one.
With only 91 to chase down, Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 45 off 34 deliveries as Babar Azam and Co. won by seven wickets. The third T20I will be played on April 21 and Pakistan will hope to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.