NEW DELHI: A frightening on-field incident overshadowed Pakistan’s third and final ODI against New Zealand on Saturday, as opener Imam-ul-Haq was stretchered off after being struck on the jaw by a powerful throw while completing a single at Bay Oval.
The left-handed batter, returning to the side in place of Usman Khan, was looking to rotate strike early in Pakistan’s chase of New Zealand’s 264 when a direct throw from a fielder hit him flush on the face.
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Play was halted immediately as medical personnel rushed in, and Imam was later confirmed to have suffered a concussion, ruling him out of the remainder of the match.
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In line with ICC’s concussion substitute rule, Usman Khan was allowed to take Imam’s place — a move clarified and approved by the match referee. “Usman Khan has been named the concussion substitute for Imam-ul-Haq,” the Pakistan Cricket Board announced via social media.
Despite the dramatic interruption, Ben Sears starred with the ball for New Zealand, taking 5 for 34 as Pakistan collapsed for 221 in 40 overs, losing by 43 runs in the rain-shortened 42-over contest. The result handed the Black Caps a 3-0 clean sweep of the ODI series, after previously dominating the T20Is 4-1.
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