Pakistan have been dealt a major blow as their star bowler Khurram Shahzad has been ruled out the remaining two Test matches to be played in Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground. It was a disappointing performance by the Pakistan team as they lost the first match by 360 runs.
Khurram Shahzad made his Test debut during the first Test match at Optus Stadium, Perth. He picked his maiden wicket getting rid of Steve Smith with a simple catch by Sarfaraz Ahmed. During the second day, Shahzad dismissed Mitchell Marsh. It was an impressive performance by Khurram Shahzad ending with figures of 2 for 83 in 22 overs.
Khurram was the pick of bowlers for Pakistan in the 2nd innings. He bowled with great venom getting wickets of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. It was a sensational bowling effort by Khurram who troubled the Australian batters. He ended with figures of 3 for 45 in 16 overs despite Shaheen Shah Afridi’s poor performance.
Pakistan will miss the service of Khurram Shahzad in the remaining two test matches at Melbourne and Sydney. They were disappointed with their performance as they could muster 89 runs in the second innings chasing down a massive target of 450 runs.
Pakistan has not won any Test match on Australian soil since 1995. They have been a major blow as Naseem Shah could not take place due to an injury that he suffered during Asia Cup 2023.
“PCB will now consult a specialist in Australia after which a final management protocol will be established for the player,” a statement said. “He will then return to the NCA in Lahore where he will continue his injury management and rehabilitation.”
Khurram Shahzad A Major Blow for Pakistan
Khurram Shahzad’s absence will be a major blow for the Pakistan Cricket Team in the remaining two Test matches in MCG and SCG. Pakistan struggled in the bowling department during the first Test match with Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal picking wickets while Shaheen Shah Afridi could not pick any wickets.
Pakistan missed the services of Abrar Ahmed due to injury. It will be a huge ask for the Pakistani to beat Australia on Australian soil without their star bowler. The second Test match will be played from December 26th onwards.
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