PAK vs NZ: Mohammad Rizwan ruled out of New Zealand series; Unlikely to be available for Ireland and England tours

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is expected to miss the remaining T20Is of the ongoing five-match series against New Zealand at home. Mohammad Rizwan is also at risk of missing the upcoming away T20I series against Ireland and England next month.

The Pakistan national cricket team is currently hosting the T20 series against the Black Caps as part of their T20 World Cup 2024 preparations. The first match of the series was abandoned due to rain. The home team won the second T20I match before losing the subsequent match.

Pakistan posted 178 runs, with notable contributions from Shadab Khan and Babar Azam (37 runs off 29 balls). Ish Sodhi stood out for New Zealand by taking two wickets for 25 runs. Shadab scored 41 runs off just 20 balls, including four boundaries and two maximums, at a strike rate of 205.

Mark Chapman scored an unbeaten 87 runs, including nine fours and four sixes. Chapman helped New Zealand chase down the target with 10 balls remaining. With the series tied at 1-1, the 4th T20I will be played in Lahore on April 25. The final match will be played at the same venue on April 27.

Mohammad Rizwan's Injury Is Severe - Report

During the third T20I against New Zealand, Mohammad Rizwan felt discomfort in his right hamstring. The right-handed batter retired hurt after scoring 23 runs from 22 balls, including one boundary. He was subsequently withdrawn from the recent match as a precautionary measure.

The medical panel within the Pakistan Cricket Board has obtained Rizwan's scan report and reached out to doctors in the UK for additional opinions regarding his injury. Pakistan's cricket team and management are optimistic about the veteran wicketkeeper batter's speedy recovery. 

The latest reports suggest that Rizwan's injury is severe, leading the medical panel to recommend a rest period of two to four weeks. This situation raises doubts about his availability for the upcoming tours and the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the USA and West Indies.

Usman Khan is expected to assume the wicketkeeping responsibilities for Pakistan in the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Mohammad Rizwan's absence. Additionally, Rizwan was absent from the training session on Tuesday due to his injury.

Rizwan reached a significant milestone by surpassing 3,000 runs in T20I cricket, making him the second Pakistani player to achieve this feat.

He accomplished this during a match against New Zealand on April 20, where he scored 45 runs from 34 balls. Babar Azam has scored over 3,700 runs in T20I cricket.

Also read: PAK vs NZ: Shahid Afridi takes a dig at Babar Azam after Pakistan's humiliating loss to New Zealand