Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s opening batter, was forced to retire hurt during the final ODI against New Zealand after being struck on the jaw by a delivery from Lockie Ferguson.
Imam was immediately attended to by medical staff on the field and then taken to the hospital for further tests, where he failed the concussion test and was ruled out of the match. Usman Khan replaced him as a concussion substitute.
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The match, which had been reduced to 42 overs per side due to overnight rain, started later than scheduled, with the damp outfield adding extra challenges for both teams. New Zealand, having already won the series 2-0, set Pakistan a target of 265 runs after finishing their innings with 8 wickets down.
Imam’s injury came at a crucial time as Pakistan looked to avoid a series clean sweep and secure their first ODI win in New Zealand since February 2011.
Meanwhile, New Zealand also faced a setback with the absence of in-form middle-order batter Mark Chapman, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Tim Seifert, who had replaced Chapman in the second ODI, remained in the squad for the final match.
