Pakistan cricket team has suffered a major setback on the New Zealand tour. Opener Usman Khan, who had a great start in the first ODI, has been ruled out of the second ODI due to a hamstring injury.
This could prove to be a big loss for the Pakistan team, which is already trailing 0-1.
Pakistan’s defeat in the first ODI
In the first ODI at Napier, New Zealand scored 344/9 with Mark Chapman scoring a brilliant 132. Haris Rauf and Irfan Khan took 2 and 3 wickets respectively for Pakistan.
Chasing the target, Usman Khan (39) and Abdullah Shafique shared an 83-run stand but the team was bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs. Despite good knocks from Babar Azam (78) and Salman Ali Agha (58), Pakistan lost by 73 runs.
Usman Khan’s injury increased Pakistan’s problems
With Usman Khan out, Pakistan’s batting order has become weaker. He had performed well in his debut ODI and was expected to play better in the next matches.
Pakistan is already struggling in batting, in such a situation his absence can create more problems for the team.
Second ODI: Do or die for Pakistan
New Zealand’s team is already ahead in the series and would like to win the series by registering a win in the second ODI.
On the other hand, Pakistan will have to win this match at all costs to remain in the series.
