Fakhar Zaman ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy: Details here
What's the story
Pakistan's opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman, has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with an injury.
Imam-ul-Haq has been approved by the ICC as the opener's replacement.
The incident occurred during Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium on Wednesday.
Fakhar sustained the injury while fielding in the first over after Pakistan chose to bowl first.
Here's more.
Injury impact
Fakhar's injury details and impact on Pakistan's performance
Fakhar sustained the injury while attempting to stop a boundary inside the 30-yard circle after Will Young played a shot off Shaheen Afridi.
Although he successfully prevented the ball from reaching the rope, he landed awkwardly after diving, resulting in the injury.
He immediately signaled for medical assistance due to severe pain.
Although he later batted at No. 4, his performance was visibly affected by his injury, as Pakistan lost by 60 runs.
Match outcome
Zaman's injury hampers Pakistan's momentum in Champions Trophy
Zaman's injury hurt Pakistan's chances against New Zealand.
As mentioned, despite a valiant effort by Babar Azam who scored 64 runs, Pakistan failed to keep the momentum and lost the match by a heavy 60 runs.
They were bowled out for 260 in the 48th over, falling short of New Zealand's total.
This loss is a difficult start for the defending champions in the Champions Trophy tournament.
Stats
A look Fakhar's ODI and Champions Trophy numbers
In 86 ODIs, the batter has managed 3,651 runs at an average of 46.21. He also owns a strike rate of 93.85, alongside 11 hundreds and 17 fifties. His highest score is 210*.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he owns 276 runs from four Champions Trophy innings at 55.20.
Additionally, Zaman first rose to prominence in the 2017 edition, scoring a match-winning 114 against India in the final.
Milestone
Fakhar completes 1,000 ODI runs at home
Despite battling pain, Zaman was out on the field in Pakistan's run-chase versus New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday.
With his 14th run, Fakhar surpassed 1,000 ODI runs at home.
Chasing 321 runs, Fakhar surpassed 1,000 runs at home. He came into this match with 986 runs in Pakistan from 22 matches at 46.95 with the help of three tons and 5 fifties.