National T20 Cup 2021: Balochistan’s Imam-ul-Haq taken to hospital after nasty collision with boundary boards

Balochistan skipper Imam-ul-Haq was taken to the hospital after he collided nastily with the boundary boards during the National Cup 2021 match against Southern Punjab (Pakistan) on Friday, October 1 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The 25-year-old southpaw sustained the injury while trying to stop Sohaib Maqsood’s flick shot from going to the boundary.

The ball went for a four and Imam was seen grimacing in extreme pain while lying on the ground outside the boundary ropes. Thereafter, the youngster was carried off on a stretcher after the physiotherapist checked on him. Imam then underwent a check-up and an X-ray was carried out. Play was halted for some time after the left-hander got injured.

Imam-ul-Haq not serious

As per reports in Geo TV, Imam hasn’t suffered a fracture and that his injury wasn’t a lot to be worried about. He didn’t come out to bat in Balochistan’s run-chase. However, despite missing his services, Balochistan went on to win the game by eight wickets in Rawalpindi. Abdul Bangalzai and Abdullah Shafique opened the batting and set the platform for the chase.

With Balochistan chasing 175 to win, Shafique and Bangalzai stitched together a partnership of 84 runs for the opening wicket. Bangalzai went to score 50 off 42 with seven fours and also bagged the Player of the Match award. Shafique lent him the apt support, scoring 44 off 28 with five fours and one six. After they got out by the 14th over, Haris Sohail took charge.

Sohail made a quickfire 35-ball 47, helping Balochistan chase down the target with eight balls to spare. Prior to that, Junaid Khan and Umaid Asif picked up three wickets apiece to restrict Southern Punjab to 174. Khurram Shahzad also accounted for two wickets. Maqsood scored 54 runs while opening the batting, but he didn’t let a lot of support from the others.

As far as Imam is concerned, he hasn’t had the best of times in the National T20 Cup. He has scored 41 runs from four innings at an average of 10.25 and a strike rate of 95.34. Balochistan are currently placed fifth in the points table with four points from five matches and have a net run rate of -0.813.