LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday that Abbas Afridi will miss the 3rd T20I against New Zealand due to a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain causing discomfort.
The upcoming T20I in Dunedin is scheduled for tomorrow, and the PCB has reassured that the fast bowler, despite a scan showing no significant injury, will be managed symptomatically.
Abbas Afridi ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/1iGhI6kYAm#NZvPAK
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) January 16, 2024
The cricket governing body has yet to confirm Abbas’ availability for the final two games, a decision that will be announced later.
Losing Afridi for the team would be a substantial setback, given his status as the leading wicket-taker alongside Haris Rauf, even in matches, where they faced defeat.
New Zealand secured a 2-0 series lead by defeating Pakistan by 21 runs in the second Twenty20 international. Despite strong performances by Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, who both scored half-centuries, Pakistan was dismissed for 173 in the final over, chasing New Zealand’s 194-8.
The victory came at a cost for the Black Caps, as their captain, Kane Williamson, retired hurt with a hamstring injury during batting, raising doubts about his participation in the remaining matches of the five-match series.
The match mirrored New Zealand’s 46-run win in the series opener in Auckland on Friday, showcasing another aggressive batting display spearheaded by Finn Allen. Allen’s 70 off 41 balls continued his impressive form, attributing his success to a change in approach.
Milne’s outstanding performance of 4-33 included the crucial dismissal of the dangerous Mohammad Rizwan, contributing to Pakistan losing both openers with just 10 runs on the scoreboard. In the match where New Zealand batted first once again, Allen aggressively took on the visitors’ attack, unleashing five sixes and seven fours.
