Hamilton, March 30, 2025: Pakistan suffered a setback ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand, as opening batter Usman Khan has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old sustained the injury while fielding during the first ODI in Napier on Friday. An MRI scan confirmed a low-grade tear, making him unavailable for the April 2 match at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Pakistan, already reeling from a 4-1 T20I series defeat, faced another disappointment in the ODI opener, losing by 73 runs.
After opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a commanding 344, thanks to Mark Chapman’s 132 and a 24-ball fifty from debutant Muhammad Abbas.
Pakistan’s chase started well, reaching 249-3 in the 39th over, but a dramatic collapse saw them all out for 271 in 44.1 overs.
The turning point came with Babar Azam’s dismissal, followed by Tayyab Tahir’s run-out and Irfan Khan Niazi’s golden duck, leaving Pakistan at 253-6. Nathan Smith ripped through the lower order, taking 4-60, while Jacob Duffy, Michael Bracewell, and Will O’Rourke chipped in with crucial wickets.
