Today is the first of five Twenty20 Internationals between the Pakistan cricket team and New Zealand. Due to an injury scare, explosive batsman Azam Khan may not be available to play against the Black Caps.
Azam complained of pain in his right knee and right calf muscle while batting in the nets during Wednesday’s training session, as reported by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The right-handed hitter, who is now under the care of the medical staff, has received immediate medical attention and treatment; nevertheless, the board stated in a statement that the batter’s ability to play in the future matches against New Zealand would depend on the findings of the radiological studies.
Known for his explosive run-scoring prowess, Azam has played for Pakistan in eight Twenty20 Internationals. The 25-year-old has scored 29 runs at an average of 7.83 in seven innings, with 10 being the best score.
But he made it into the national team because of his total T20 record, which stands at 3,183 runs at a strike rate of 147.56 in 160 games, as well as his recent success in the ninth Pakistan Super League (PSL).
It is important to note that Azam participated in the 11-day fitness program that the Pakistan Army hosted at its Kakul location, which just ended.
Squads
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Zaman Khan
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi and Zak Foulkes.
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