PAK vs NZ: Mohammad Rizwan ruled out of final two T20Is due to injury

In a huge blow for Pakistan Cricket, the side’s star wicketkeeper, Mohammad Rizwan, has been ruled out of the fourth and fifth T20Is of the ongoing series between Pakistan and New Zealand. Rizwan sustained an injury during the third T20I of the series on Sunday, April 21. 

He sustained the injury while batting, and was forced to retire hurt, and did not take the field for the remainder of the game as well. The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) released a statement that stated that Rizwan will be missing the remaining T20Is. 

The statement revealed the radiology reports of Rizwan and Mohammad Irfan Khan, and after careful evaluation, the board decided that they would be sending both players into rehab. 

"PCB Medical Panel yesterday received Radiology reports of Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Irfan Khan. After reviewing the reports and in consultation with the Pakistan team management, it has been decided to rest the two players from Thursday’s and Saturday’s T20Is against New Zealand, the two players will work on their rehabilitation with the PCB Medical Panel at NCA,” the statement read. 

All to play for in the final two matches as PAK-NZ are currently leveled

Speaking of the ongoing series between Pakistan and New Zealand, both sides have put forth brilliant performances in the series so far. The first game of the series was washed out and abandoned, with no result coming out of it. The second game of the series saw Pakistan register a dominant victory, winning the game by seven wickets. 

However, the situation changed in the third T20I, as Mark Chapman’s exceptional knock helped the Black Caps register a brilliant win and level the series. The final two T20Is of the series will be played in Lahore on April 25 and 27. 

With the series level at 1-1, both Pakistan and New Zealand will hope to put in good performances, win the final two matches, and clinch the series.