Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq suffered a significant blow during the third One-Day International against New Zealand on Saturday, causing him to retire hurt.
The incident occurred in Mount Maunganui during the third over of Pakistan’s chase for 265 runs. While attempting a quick single, Imam was hit in the face by a fielder’s throw that deflected off his helmet, causing him to collapse onto the ground in visible pain.
𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗨𝗻𝘂𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥:
Throw from the Fielder got stuck in the Helmet of Imam, injuring his jaw. Prayers for him.#Imamulhaq #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/60UhxClj9M
— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) April 5, 2025Medics quickly attended to him as footage showed the left-hander in distress. After receiving initial treatment, he was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported by ambulance for further evaluation.
Team officials announced that Imam failed a concussion test, which ruled him out of the match. Usman Khan took his place at the crease. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that he receives care at the stadium’s emergency medical centre, with pending updates on his condition.
Imam-ul-Haq leaves the field on a medical cart after a painful blow.
Worrying signs for Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/Z3cDC2nxuU
— Cricwick (@Cricwick) April 5, 2025During the mishap, Pakistan was in a strong position at 55-0, chasing New Zealand’s score of 264-8 in a rain-shortened 42-over match.
Read: Rhys Mariu’s 58 Helps New Zealand Set 264-8 vs Pakistan
The third ODI concludes a challenging tour for Pakistan, which is trailing 2-0 after losses in Napier (by 73 runs) and Hamilton (by 84 runs) and a 4-1 defeat in the T20 series. The departure of Imam greatly impacts their hopes of salvaging some pride in this final match, highlighting the physical toll of the tour.e.
