Pakistan suffered a major setback ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand as opener Usman Khan has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The right-handed batter, who made his debut in the first ODI, sustained the injury while fielding during the match in Napier. A post-match scan confirmed a low-grade tear, forcing him to miss the crucial second clash of the three-match series.

Debut Cut Short Due to Injury

Usman Khan’s selection for the ODI series came after an impressive performance in the preceding T20I series. However, his ODI debut ended on a disappointing note with an unfortunate injury. Despite scoring 39 off 33 balls, his exit has left a void in Pakistan’s opening lineup for the next game.

“Usman Khan’s departure at this crucial moment is a significant setback. He showed great promise in his debut, and his absence will be felt,” said a team official.

Who Will Replace Usman Khan?

With Usman Khan unavailable, Pakistan will need to make adjustments at the top of the order. The management may consider Fakhar Zaman or Saim Ayub as potential replacements, depending on the team’s strategy. Both batters have the capability to provide an aggressive start, which will be crucial against a strong New Zealand bowling attack.

Pakistan’s Struggle With Injuries

Injuries have been a recurring issue for Pakistan in recent months, affecting their squad depth and consistency. Losing Usman Khan adds to their woes, especially as they aim to bounce back after a shaky start to the series.

Key Takeaways from the First ODI:

• Usman Khan’s impressive debut: 39 runs off 33 balls.
• Hamstring injury confirmed: Low-grade tear ruled him out of the second ODI.
• Replacement options: Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub likely candidates.
• Pakistan’s injury concerns continue: Impacting team stability.

What’s Next for Pakistan?

With Usman Khan ruled out, Pakistan must rethink their strategy and batting order. The second ODI becomes even more critical as the team looks to level the series against New Zealand. The team management faces a tough decision in finding the right replacement and ensuring stability at the top of the order.

Pakistan fans will be hoping for a strong performance despite this setback. The team needs to regroup quickly, focus on its strengths, and come up with a solid plan to tackle New Zealand’s formidable lineup.

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