Champions Trophy Pakistan vs New Zealand Fakhar Zaman Faces

Pakistan news – Injured Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy – Imam-ul-Haq called up

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Pakistan’s hopes of defending their Champions Trophy title have suffered a major blow as opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out with an oblique injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been approved as his replacement. Fakhar sustained the injury while fielding and struggled through his 24 runs off 41 balls before being dismissed. This marks a setback for Pakistan, particularly as Fakhar was crucial in their previous Champions Trophy win in 2017. Imam, who has not played internationally since 2023, will step in as Pakistan faces India in their next match on February 23, following a 60-run loss to New Zealand.


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Pakistan’s aspirations to defend their Champions Trophy title have suffered a major blow with opener Fakhar Zaman sidelined for the rest of the tournament due to an oblique injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been given the green light by the ICC to replace Fakhar.

Fakhar sustained the injury on only the second ball of the tournament while chasing a cover drive from Will Young off Shaheen Shah Afridi. After retrieving the ball, he clearly appeared to be in pain. Following treatment on the ground, he was carried off and remained out for over two hours.

This meant he couldn’t take the opening position for Pakistan, and when he finally batted at No. 4, he showed visible signs of discomfort. He had several visits from the team doctor and physio, consuming painkillers while on the field during his 41-ball stint at the crease. It was a challenging innings for him, with limited mobility, and he didn’t appear capable of making a significant impact in Pakistan’s chase of the 320 runs posted by New Zealand. He scored 24 runs before being dismissed.

The injury is particularly unfortunate for both Fakhar and Pakistan. He only made his return to the team after Saim Ayub, Pakistan’s standout opener during their triumphant away series last year, suffered a similar fate. Ayub injured himself while fielding in the second Test against South Africa in January, twisting his ankle, which was later confirmed to be fractured, ruling him out until at least March.

Fakhar’s most notable contribution to Pakistan cricket came during this tournament. He was the standout batsman in the final of the previous Champions Trophy in 2017, scoring 114 runs against India as Pakistan clinched the title.

Imam, who is stepping in, may not have the same explosive batting style as Fakhar and hasn’t participated in international cricket since 2023. However, he boasts an impressive opening record, with an average of 48.27 and nine ODI centuries from 72 ODIs.

Pakistan finds themselves in a precarious position in their title defense, having faced a 60-run defeat in their first match against New Zealand. Their next challenge is on February 23, against India in Dubai.

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