Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out Of Champions Trophy

Star Pakistani Opener Fakhar Zaman as he sustained an Oblique injury during team's Champions Trophy opening clash against New Zealand. Pakistan have announced Imam-Ul-Haq as his replacement for the tournament.

Zaman was forced to leave the field after just 2 deliveries into the game as he was trying to stop Will Young's shot off Shaheen Shah Afridi. Zaman stationed at the cover region tried to stop the ball but in the process got injured.

Fakhar Set To Miss Remainder Of Champions Trophy

Zaman later returned to the field during the latter stages of the first innings but couldn't open the innings later considering the lengthy time off the field. Even when he came out to bat at No.4, he struggled with running between the wickets. He scored 24 off 41 in a 47-run standoff 65 deliveries with Babar Azam, with the latter also struggling to up the ante.

Pakistan, who were chasing a target of 320, got bundled out for 260 thus, fell short by 60 runs, meaning their next game against Arch-Rivals India in Dubai is a virtual Knockout game. Pakistan play their final round robin clash against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Imam hasn't played for Pakistan since 2023 and last played the ODI format at the World Cup that year. In all, he has played 72 ODIs and scored 3138 runs at 48.27.