March 30, 2025: Pakistan’s promising opening batter, Usman Khan, has been ruled out of the second ODI against New Zealand after suffering a hamstring injury during his debut match. Usman, who scored 39 runs off 33 balls in his first outing for Pakistan, sustained the injury while fielding in the opening match of the three-match series in Napier. A scan confirmed a low-grade tear in his hamstring, forcing him to miss the second ODI.
Usman had been a late addition to Pakistan’s ODI squad after their five-match T20I series, having not been included in the initial squad. His debut, however, was cut short due to the injury. In the first ODI, Pakistan faced a 73-run defeat to New Zealand, with the Blackcaps posting a total of 344/9 in their allotted 50 overs, largely thanks to a stellar century by Mark Chapman. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs, with Babar Azam top-scoring for his side with 78 runs from 83 balls.
Usman’s absence will be a blow to Pakistan’s batting line-up as they aim to level the series in the second ODI. His injury marks another setback for the team as they seek to bounce back after their loss in the first match.
Pakistan’s Squad for New Zealand ODI Series:
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain)
- Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Akif Javed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Sufyan Moqim
- Tayyab Tahir
- Haris Rauf
- Usman Khan (injured)
New Zealand Squad:
- Muhammad Abbas
- Henry Nicholls
- Adithya Ashok
- Michael Bracewell (C)
- Mark Chapman
- Jacob Duffy
- Mitch Hay
- Nick Kelly
- Daryl Mitchell
- Will O’Rourke
- Ben Sears
- Nathan Smith
- Will Young
The series continues as Pakistan looks to recover from the loss and put in a stronger performance in the upcoming matches.