Pakistan's young wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan was ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand on April 20 (Saturday). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced that Azam Khan, who sustained a calf injury on the eve of the first T20I against the Blackcaps, will head to the National Cricket Academy and begin his rehabilitation. With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, the recent injury setback is a huge blow for Azam Khan.
Setback for Azam Khan
Azam Khan is renowned for his explosive batting style, known for his ability to score quick runs in T20 cricket leagues worldwide. Despite his prowess in franchise cricket, the 25-year-old has yet to make a significant impact on the international stage. In his eight T20I appearances for Pakistan, Azam has only managed to score 29 runs at a strike rate of 90.62, a surprising statistic given his capabilities.
Azam's T20 records reflect his destructive batting potential, boasting a strike rate of 147.56 in 160 matches. As a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, he has amassed 3,183 runs, including one century and 16 half-centuries.
Pakistan supporters are optimistic that Azam's recent injury is minor and that he will return to action soon, hoping for his swift recovery and a swift return to form.
Pakistan blaze past New Zealand in 2nd T20I
In the second T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand on April 20 (Saturday), the Men in Green won by seven wickets. New Zealand were bundled out for just 90 runs and Pakistan chased down the target with 7.5 overs to spare. While captain Babar Azam could only score 14 runs off 13 balls, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan played an unbeaten knock of 45 runs off 34 balls with the help of four fours and a six.
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The third T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled to be played on April 21 (Sunday).
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