Pakistan captain Babar Azam has given an important update on Mohammad Rizwan’s recent injury and expects him to return in time for the tours of Ireland and England.
The Green Army will embark on a European tour right after concluding their five-match home T20I series against New Zealand. The ongoing series is currently tied at 1-1 after the Kiwis defeated the hosts by 7 wickets in the third T20I. In that match, at the Rawalpindi stadium, Pakistan suffered a severe blow when Mohammad Rizwan suffered an unexpected injury.
How did Mohammad Rizwan get injured?
While batting in the first innings in Rawapindi, Mohammad Rizwan was forced to retire injured after pulling his right hamstring and immediately feeling pain. Rizwan was removed from the field after his contribution of 22 off 21. Pakistan eventually scored a target of 179 thanks to the efforts of Saim Ayub (32 off 22), Babar Azam (37 off 29), Irfan Khan (30 off 20) and Shadab Khan (41 of 20).
But that particular target did not pose much of a threat to the inexperienced New Zealand team, who chased down the total for 18.2 overs. New Zealand number 4 batsman Mark Chapman was adjudged player of the match for guiding his team to victory and remaining not out on 87 off 42. And tonight, both the teams will battle to take the lead in the 5-match series. .
Regarding Mohammad Rizwan’s hamstring injury, the batsman was taken to a nearby hospital for a scan right after leaving the field. Rizwan is said to be rested for at least 3-4 weeks and the scan reports on him will be sent to a specialist doctor in London, who will share information about the injury in the coming days.
Reports have also suggested that Rizwan’s injury layoff could be extended further if the doctor in England discovers anything suspicious. At the moment, it all depends on the evaluation of those scan reports.
What did Babar Azam say about Rizwan?
While speaking to reporters in Lahore ahead of the fourth T20I against the Blackcaps, Babar Azam had nothing but praise for Mohammad Rizwan. Babar said Rizwan’s absence will be felt in the dressing room as he has been a great servant to the national team and his contributions to the team have been immense.
Babar also revealed that Rizwan’s hamstring injury is nothing serious and giving him a few weeks of rest is actually a precautionary measure to save him for the summer. The Pakistani captain finally stated that Rizwan is a true fighter and he will soon be available for the team after his rehabilitation at NCA 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 a cause of major concern but as a precautionary measure we want to save him. “He will undergo rehabilitation at the NCA and will be cared for properly. I hope he will be ready before the Ireland series and inshaAllah he will be available soon,” Babar Azam told reporters in Lahore.