PAK vs NZ: Mohammad Rizwan's T20 WC 2024 participation under threat? Babar Azam provides huge update

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has given a major update on Mohammad Rizwan's recent injury and hoped for him to come back in time for tours of Ireland and England.

The Green Army will be heading over for a European tour right after the conclusion of their 5-match home T20I series against New Zealand. The ongoing series is currently hanging in the balance at 1-1 after the Kiwis defeated the hosts by 7 wickets in the 3rd T20I. In that match, at the Rawalpindi stadium, Pakistan suffered a big blow when Mohammad Rizwan sustained an unexpected injury.

How did Mohammad Rizwan get injured?

While batting in the 1st innings at Rawapindi, Mohammad Rizwan was forced to get retired hurt after he pulled his right hamstring and felt pain right away. Rizwan was carried off from the field after his contribution of 22 off 21. Pakistan eventually posted a target of 179 through the efforts of Saim Ayub (32 off 22), Babar Azam (37 off 29), Irfan Khan (30 off 20) and Shadab Khan (41 off 20).

But that particular target did not pose much of a threat to the in-experienced New Zealand team which chased down the total by 18.2 overs. Number 4 Kiwi batter Mark Chapman was adjudged as man of the match for guiding his team towards the victory and remaining not out at 87 off 42. And tonight, both of the teams will battle it out to take the lead in the 5-match series.

As for Mohammad Rizwan's hamstring injury, the wicket-keeper batsman was taken for a scan in a nearby hospital right after he came off the field. It is being said that Rizwan will be resting for at least 3-4 weeks with his scan reports sent to a specialist Doctor in London, who will be sharing the inputs about the injury in the coming days.

Reports have also suggested that Rizwan's injury lay-off could be extended further if the doctor in England finds out anything suspicious. So at the moment, everything depends upon the assessment of those scan reports.

What did Babar Azam say about Rizwan?

While speaking to press reporters in Lahore ahead of the 4th T20I against the Blackcaps, Babar Azam had nothing but words of praise for Mohammad Rizwan. Babar said that Rizwan's absence will be felt in the dressing room as he has been a great servant of the National team and that his contributions for the team have been immense.

Babar also revealed that Rizwan's hamstring injury is anything but serious and that giving him a few weeks off is actually a precautionary step to save him for the summer. The Pakistani captain lastly stated that Rizwan is a true fighter and that he will be available soon for the team following his rehabilitation at the NCA in Islamabad.

"The entire team missed Rizwan. The way he has served the team and the nation is before you. He is a fighter and always tries to give his best. His injury is not of any major concern but as a precautionary measure we want to save him and he will undergo rehab in NCA and he will be properly looked after. I hope he will be ready before the Ireland series and inshaAllah he will be available soon," Babar Azam told reporters in Lahore.