Injury concerns hit Pakistan, New Zealand after first tri-series clash with Champions Trophy looming
Injury concerns hit Pakistan and New Zealand camps during the opening game of the tri-nation series between the two sides in Lahore.
Pakistan and New Zealand will be sweating on the fitness of their key players following injuries during their tri-series encounter. New Zealand won the encounter by 78 runs.
While New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra copped a blow to his face while fielding, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf walked off the field with a side strain while delivering his seventh over.
Rauf’s incident took place in the 37th over of the first innings, when the premier pacer held his knees after delivering the second ball and subsequently walked off the field in discomfort.
New Zealand are off to a winning start to the tri-nation series with a confident victory against Pakistan 💪#PAKvNZ 📝: https://t.co/JrPbLH5XAz pic.twitter.com/xGINnC8tk2
— ICC (@ICC) February 8, 2025
The pacer didn’t come out to bat in the Pakistan batting innings.
In the post-match conference when questioned about Rauf's availability for the next game, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan stated that there was little clarity on Rauf's situation, but from the doctor's reports he understood that there wasn't much to be worried about.
On the other hand, Ravindra's unfortunate injury happened in the 38th over of the second innings, when while going for a catch off Michael Bracewell he lost the ball in floodlights and took a heavy blow to his face.
New Zealand are already battling injury concerns following Lockie Fergusons’s hamstring injury during the ILT20 in the UAE.