Imam Retires Hurt After Jaw Injury in Final ODI Against NZ

News Desk

Lahore: Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was forced to retire hurt after sustaining a jaw injury during the run chase in the third and final One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand on Saturday.

The injury occurred when Imam was struck on the jaw by a sharp delivery from New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson, while Pakistan was chasing a target of 265 runs in the rain-shortened match.

Medical staff rushed to Imam’s aid on the field before he was taken to a nearby hospital for further assessment. The team’s medical panel later confirmed that Imam failed a concussion test and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the match. Usman Khan was brought in as a concussion substitute.

The final ODI, reduced to 42 overs per side due to overnight rain, got off to a delayed start, with a damp outfield presenting additional challenges for both teams.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand posted a total of 265 for 8 after being sent in to bat by Pakistan. The Black Caps, having already sealed the three-match series with an unassailable 2–0 lead, were looking to complete a clean sweep.

Pakistan, meanwhile, were desperate to break their long-standing winless streak in New Zealand, having last won an ODI on Kiwi soil in February 2011. Imam’s injury came at a crucial juncture in their chase as the visitors hoped to salvage pride with a win in the final game.

New Zealand also faced a setback ahead of the match with in-form middle-order batter Mark Chapman ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Chapman, who had missed the second ODI as well, was assessed during the team’s training session and was deemed unfit. Tim Seifert, who replaced Chapman in the previous game, continued to fill the gap in the final fixture.