PAK vs NZ: Injury puts Rizwan's availability for T20I series in doubt

In a concerning development for the Pakistan cricket team, Mohammad Rizwan's availability for the remaining matches of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand is in doubt due to the wicket-keeper batsman's hamstring injury.

Rizwan, a key top-order player for the national side, suffered the injury during the third T20I against the Black Caps in Rawalpindi on Sunday wherein he whizzed past Virat Kohli and Babar Azam's records by scoring the fastest 3,000 runs in T20 International cricket while featuring in his 79th T20I innings.

The team management might reach any decision over the right-handed batter's availability today after reviewing his scans.

The development comes after Green Shirts' wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan was ruled out of the NZ series after experiencing discomfort in his right calf during a practice session.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the cricketer was advised to undertake a 10-day rest following radiology reports confirming a Grade One tear of his right calf muscle.

It must be noted that New Zealand made a stunning comeback in the five-match T20I series courtesy of Mark Chapman who led the visitors to victory in the third T20I match played on Sunday.

The series is now levelled at 1-1 with two remaining matches set to be played in Lahore on April 25 and 27.

Before that, the national side thrashed visitors in the second T20I to secure seven-wicket on April 20 after the Black Caps were bowled out for just 90 runs in 18.1 overs.

The first match of the series was washed out due to rain.