NZ vs PAK: Shoaib Malik ruled out of the final ODI

Pakistan team is under severe scrutiny in their tour against New Zealand. The players haven’t been able to put up a fight and already lost the ODI series. The team has lost in each of the first four ODI’s against the Kiwis. Ex-cricketers were very disappointed with the team’s performance. Pakistan failed to adjust to the swinging conditions in New Zealand.

Adding to their woes, their star batsman Shoaib Malik is now ruled out of the last ODI. Malik was injured while batting in the fourth ODI against New Zealand. Malik was hit on his head by a throw from Colin Munro. He was spotted playing without a helmet. He suffered a delayed concussion and didn’t take the field during the second innings of the game.

More troubles for Pakistan

Having already suffered four consecutive losses in the series, Pakistan would want to win the last ODI at all costs. They are already facing severe criticism from fans and experts for their poor show. Although they looked impressive with the bat in the fourth ODI, their bowlers let them down.

Pakistan would have to put in all their stakes in if they have to win the fifth ODI. But, they have been hit by a huge blow before the match. Shoaib Malik is one of the most important batsmen in Pakistan’s middle order. He has contributed significantly with the bat over the last 24 months. He was also handy with the ball at times. Missing him in the team will surely dent their winning chances.

Who’s his replacement?

Shoaib ruled out now means that Pakistan will have to make an unforced changed to the playing eleven. Pakistani’s journalist Zainab Abbas took to Twitter to update on Shoaib’s injury. She said that Umar Amin will now replace Shoaib in the final ODI squad. Also in another tweet, she talked about Amin saying “If Umar Amin is opening in T20’s won’t be a bad option to open with him in the last ODI.”.

“Malik is doing better after sustaining a delayed concussion during the last ODI in Hamilton. However, he has not made a full recovery to be available for selection in the Wellington ODI”, said Pakistan Team Physiotherapist, VB Singh.

Earlier, Malik too, tweeted that he was feeling much better and said he was recovering quickly. He thanked the fans for their support.