Pakistan suffered a major setback during the third ODI against New Zealand on Saturday in Mount Maunganui, as star opener Imam-ul-Haq sustained a serious injury and had to be carried off the field. Earlier, after being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted a total of 264/8, with skipper Michael Bracewell and Rhys Mariu contributing 59 and 58 runs respectively. Akif Javed was the standout performer with the ball for Pakistan, claiming four wickets. However, the injury to Imam dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s hopes during their run chase.
The incident occurred in the third over when Imam played a shot off William O’Rourke and set off for a single. As he was completing the run, a fielder retrieved the ball and aimed a throw at the non-striker’s end. Unfortunately, the ball struck Imam forcefully on the left side of his jaw and became lodged in his helmet.
Imam-ul-Haq Ruled Out with Concussion; Usman Khan Named Substitute
Imam-ul-Haq appeared to be in visible pain as he collapsed to the ground and called for assistance. The team physio rushed onto the field, examined him, and declared him unfit to continue. He was then taken off the field in a buggy ambulance, and Pakistan called in Usman Khan as his replacement for the remainder of the match. Following a medical evaluation, team management confirmed that Imam had suffered a concussion and would not take any further part in the game.
Under ICC regulations, teams are permitted to use a like-for-like concussion substitute in such cases. Pakistan’s move to bring in Usman Khan was fully compliant with these rules.
“Usman Khan has been named the concussion substitute for Imam-ul-Haq, who sustained an injury after being struck on the jaw by the ball,” the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed via social media.
Usman, who had impressed with a quick cameo in the series opener but missed the second game due to a hamstring issue, returned to the field but couldn’t make a significant impact. He was dismissed for just 12 runs by New Zealand pacer Mohammad Abbas.
This marks the second straight ODI in which a Pakistani player has suffered a concussion. In the previous match, Naseem Shah had stepped in for Haris Rauf after the latter was hit on the helmet while batting.