New Zealand National Cricket Team vs. Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: In a strange turn of events, Pakistani opener Imam ul Haq was hit on the helmet by a fielder’s misdirected throw during Men in Green’s innings against New Zealand on Saturday while trying to take a single in the third ODI at the Bay Oval.
In the third over of the second innings, Imam was searching for a fast single when a throw from a fielder from New Zealand had a terrible bounce and went through the grill of his helmet, smacking his jaw with startling power.
The 29-year-old footballer instantly became uneasy and collapsed to the ground, clutching his face in agonizing anguish.
Imam ul Haq was taken out on a stretcher and declared retired injured after the Pakistani team physio responded to his injuries right away. Babar Azam replaced ul Haq, who was unable to continue, and assumed responsibility for carrying the innings ahead in lieu of his wounded partner.
At the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Pakistan is pursuing a total of 265 against New Zealand in the third ODI.
In Saturday’s rain-shortened third one-day international against Pakistan, New Zealand reached 264-8, batting first, thanks to half-centuries from opener Rhys Mariu and Michael Bracewell and a 2,000-run milestone from Daryl Mitchell.
In his second ODI, Mariu made 58 off 61 balls and recorded his first half-century. In a contest cut short by a wet outfield to 42 overs each side, Mitchell scored 43 after New Zealand was put in to bat.
