Imam-ul-Haq being stretchered off the field after a head injury during the 3rd ODI against New Zealand.
Imam-ul-Haq suffers a head blow and is stretchered off the field. (Credits : "X"/@PakPassion

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was taken off the field after being struck on the helmet during the third over of Pakistan’s innings. After tucking the ball for a single, Imam was hit on the head by a throw aimed at the bowler’s end. The left-hander immediately dropped to the ground in discomfort. Medical staff quickly rushed in, and he was later taken off the field in a buggy ambulance, prompting concern from fans across social media.

As Imam sustained a head injury, Pakistan are likely be allowed to name a replacement under concussion protocols. Irfan Khan, who is part of the squad, is one of the candidates to replace Imam.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a target of 265 runs in a 42-over contest, after a delayed start due to a wet outfield. Debutant Rhys Mariu impressed with a fluent 58, while Daryl Mitchell added 43 in the middle. Captain Michael Bracewell provided a late surge, hammering 59 off just 40 balls to lift the hosts to a challenging total.

Pakistan, who have already lost the ODI series after defeats in the first two matches, were under pressure to bounce back. The Men in Green had also suffered a 1-4 loss in the preceding T20I series. While a young squad featured in the T20Is, Pakistan fielded a full-strength side for the ODIs, raising expectations. However, the team’s underwhelming display in the first two games has been a major disappointment for fans and pundits alike.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...