Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was forced to retire hurt from the final One-Day International against New Zealand after taking a blow to the jaw in a freak incident. The batter was hurt while completing a run in the third over of Pakistan’s innings. Imam was competing a quick single when a throw to the non-striker’s end sneaked inside the grill of his helmet. Reports stated that Imam was clearly dazed and struggled to stand steadily before being helped from the field.
He was given extensive treatment on the ground itself. But soon it became apparent that the batter was unable to continue. He was wheeled off the ground with Usman Khan named as a concussion substitute.
Pakistan lost the match by 43 runs at Mount Maunganui, thus losing the ODI series by 0-3 margin. They had also lost the T20I series by a 4-1 margin in New Zealand.
Pakistan Cricket Board has not shared too many details about the opener after that injury.
The PCB Media handle so far has only shared: “Usman Khan has been named the concussion substitute for Imam-ul-Haq, who sustained an injury after being struck on the jaw by the ball.”
WATCH: Imam-ul-Haq gets hit on jaw by ball
Imam ul Haq retired hurt#PAKvNZ #PakistanCricket #Cricket pic.twitter.com/ulUYUzrPtx
— Urooj Jawed🇵🇰 (@uroojjawed12) April 5, 2025
After Imam’s injury, Pakistan team talisman Babar Azam scored a 58-ball half century. Babar was Pakistan’s top scorer on the evening as they fell short of New Zealand’s target of 265 by 43 runs.
“Obviously it was a disappointing series for us,” Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said afterwards. “But if you look at the positives, Babar Azam is in very good touch. Looking at the bowling Sufiyan Muqeem was the guy.”