Pakistan’s head coach, Azhar Mahmood, clarified the decision to retire hurt Mohammed Rizwan during the 3rd T20I against New Zealand, citing a hamstring injury. Azhar emphasized that the choice to withdraw Rizwan from the match on April 21 was made strategically with the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in consideration. The former all-rounder underscored the team’s intention to avoid exacerbating the injury to the wicketkeeper-batter.
Babar Azam said “We were 10 runs short today. Unfortunately, Rizwan got injured at the wrong time” 🇵🇰💔💔#PAKvNZ #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/YscpuRgqeh
— Muhammad Zubair Jutt (@zubiijutt) April 21, 2024
New Zealand capitalized on Mark Chapman’s outstanding innings of 87 runs off 48 balls to level the 5-match series against Pakistan. They successfully chased down a modest target of 179 runs in the 19th over, securing victory with 7 wickets in hand.
Mohammad Rizwan left the field and retired hurt after scoring 22 runs off 21 balls in the middle of Pakistan’s innings and did not participate further in the match. Usman Khan took over wicketkeeping duties during New Zealand’s chase.
Azhar Mahmood addressed the media in a post-match press conference, discussing the team’s approach to managing injuries with a focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“If you would have seen, the boys really worked hard in the Kakul camp, body fatigue might also be there… About Rizwan, he had a niggle, and with the World Cup near, we have seen what kind of a fighter he is, so we did not want to aggravate his injury and miss him in the World Cup. It was the same with Irfan, we pulled him out not because of him suddenly becoming unfit. We have received a setback with Azam too, so we hope he gets fit and joins Pakistan for the World Cup,” Azhar said.
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