Big blow for Pakistan as Babar Azam's teammate ruled out of cricket

Pakistan have lost a key player for the second ODI against New Zealand to be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Usman Khan, who opened the batting in the first ODI, has been ruled out of the upcoming match.

It is a big blow for Pakistan, who are currently trailing the three-match ODI series 0-1. Hosts New Zealand were thoroughly dominant in the first match and showed why they are so good in their home conditions.

Also read: Who is Aniket Verma? SRH batter who set stage on fire against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

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Usman Khan ruled out of 2nd ODI

According to the local media reports, Pakistan's top order batter Usman Khan has been ruled out of the second ODI due to a hamstring injury. It is a big blow for the team as they are already struggling in the batting department.

Usman Khan has been ruled out from the second ODI against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) March 30, 2025

After spending some time on the bench, Usman Khan was finally given a chance to make his ODI debut at Napier. He performed well in his debut and was expected to play the next two matches as well. However, he won't be available for the next ODI.

Usman Khan's performance in 1st ODI

The first ODI at Napier was also Usman's debut ODI match and he didn't perform badly. The right-hander scored a quickfire 39 off just 33 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes. However, he was dismissed by the bowling allrounder Nathan Smith as he tried to attack him through the leg side.

Usman lived dangerously during his knock as survived a few chances as well. The 29-year-old didn't show any nerves on his ODI debut and looked to take on New Zealand's bowlers. But he perished while trying to be a little more enterprising.

He stitched an important partnership of 83 runs for the first wicket with his opening partner Abdullah Shafique in 12.4 overs. While these two gave Pakistan a good start, they ended up losing the match comfortably in the end.

Usman has already played 19 T20Is in his career. He has scored 239 runs at an average of 14.93 and a strike rate of 121.93. He is known as an aggressive batter who likes to bat with attacking intent.

New Zealand beat Pakistan in the 1st ODI

Hosts New Zealand are currently 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series. They will be aiming to win the second match and clinch the series. Despite playing with a depleted squad, New Zealand have been a better side on this tour.

In the first ODI, the Kiwis batted first and scored a mammoth 344-9 on the back of a brilliant century from Mark Chapman, who scored 132 off just 111 balls. He struck 13 fours and 6 sixes during his knock.

Debutant Muhammad Abbas slammed a quickfire 52 off just 26 balls, smashing 3 fours and 3 sixes on the way. Fast bowler Haris Rauf finished with 2-38 in 10 overs while Irfan Khan picked up three wickets.

In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for just 271 in 44.1 overs. Babar Azam top-scored with 78 off 83 balls while vice-captain Salman Ali Agha struck 58 off 48 balls. However, they lost the game by 73 runs.