Huge Setback for Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman to Miss Champions Trophy Clash vs India

Pakistan has suffered a big setback ahead of their highly anticipated match against India. Opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy clash due to an injury he picked up during Pakistan’s first game against New Zealand in Karachi.

According to RevSportz, Fakhar Zaman will miss the India vs Pakistan match in Dubai. He got injured while trying to stop a boundary during Shaheen Afridi’s over as Pakistan bowled first. In his absence, Saud Shakeel was promoted as an opener but couldn't make an impact. Without Fakhar, Pakistan's chances against India seem even weaker.

Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first at the National Stadium in Karachi. On the very second ball of the match, Will Young played a shot through the off-side off Shaheen Afridi’s bowling. Fakhar Zaman, who was at mid-off, dashed towards the boundary to try and stop the ball. In the process, his knees got caught in the outfield, leaving him in a lot of pain.

Pakistan's Opening Woes Deepen Ahead of India Clash

The Pakistani physio quickly came over to help Zaman, who then left the field. Kamran Ghulam, who wasn't in the starting lineup, replaced him on the field. Meanwhile, New Zealand got off to a strong start, with Devon Conway and Will Young handling the bowling of Shaheen and Naseem Shah very well.

“Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain and further updates will be provided in due course,” the PCB said in a statement.

Fakhar's injury is a major setback for Pakistan, particularly with his brilliant Champions Trophy record, including his match-winning 114 against India in 2017. With Fakhar out of action, Pakistan now has the task of playing without a full-time opener before their high-pressure encounter against India in Dubai. This is the second setback, following the loss of Saim Ayub earlier due to an ankle injury.

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