PAK vs NZ [WATCH]: Fakhar Zaman’s agonizing injury scare mars Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener

Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign began with a gut-wrenching moment as star opener Fakhar Zaman limped off the field after just balls in the tournament opener against New Zealand. The National Stadium in Karachi, packed with roaring fans celebrating the return of an ICC event to Pakistan after nearly three decades, fell into stunned silence as Zaman clutched his right knee and hobbled off the turf.

The incident occurred during Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over, a moment that encapsulated both brilliance and despair. After defending the opening delivery, New Zealand’s Will Young drove a full, wide ball from Afridi through the covers. Zaman, stationed at mid-off, sprinted to intercept the racing ball, sliding to save a boundary. But in his desperate dive, he landed awkwardly, twisting his knee and immediately signalling for medical assistance.

A nightmare start for the hosts: The agonizing chase of Fakhar Zaman

Zaman’s valiant effort to stop the ball exemplified his commitment, but it came at a heavy cost. Replays showed him grimacing as he parried the ball to a teammate before collapsing beyond the boundary rope. While initial reports suggested a lower back strain 14, on-air commentators speculated about a recurrence of a prior knee injury 6. The 34-year-old, who had only recently returned to ODIs after a year-long absence due to fitness struggles, cut a distraught figure as he was escorted off the field by physios, holding his waist and limping visibly.

Kamran Ghulam, Pakistan’s substitute fielder, replaced Zaman, but the psychological blow lingered. The hosts, already reeling from the pre-tournament loss of first-choice opener Saim Ayub (fractured ankle) and Abdullah Shafique’s poor form, now faced the grim prospect of another batting crisis.

Here’s the video:

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— kuchbhi@1234567 (@kuchbhi12341416) February 19, 2025

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— kuchbhi@1234567 (@kuchbhi12341416) February 19, 2025

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Injury woes haunt Pakistan’s campaign

Zaman’s injury epitomized Pakistan’s turbulent build-up to the Champions Trophy. His recall to the squad in January had been hailed as a significant boost after he rediscovered form in domestic T20 leagues. However, his fragile fitness—stemming from a knee injury that sidelined him since mid-2024—remained a concern.

The parallels to Ayub’s injury were uncanny. Ayub, Pakistan’s rising star, had suffered a fractured ankle during a Test in South Africa while chasing a boundary—a cruel twist that forced him out of the tournament. With Zaman now in the spotlight, Pakistan’s depth is under scrutiny. Babar Azam, originally slated to partner Zaman at the top, may need to shoulder more responsibility, while Saud Shakeel emerges as a potential makeshift opener.

New Zealand’s steady opening amid chaos

While Pakistan grappled with adversity, New Zealand capitalized on the early momentum. Young, replacing the concussed Rachin Ravindra (injured during a tri-series match), anchored the innings with a composed start. Skipper Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenge of dew later in the day but praised his team’s adaptability: “We have a job to do with the bat, and the boys are ready.”

The Black Caps’ decision to include Matt Henry bolstered their pace attack, while Pakistan welcomed back Haris Rauf, recovered from a side strain. Yet, the spotlight remained on Zaman’s absence—a subplot overshadowing the on-field contest.

What’s next for Fakhar and Pakistan?

Despite the scare, there are glimmers of hope. Zaman was later seen walking unaided near the boundary, sparking optimism that the injury might not be severe. PCB officials, however, remained cautious, withholding updates until further scans.

For Pakistan, the incident underscores the fragility of their title defence. With a high-stakes clash against India looming in Dubai on February 23, the team’s resilience will be tested. Zaman’s aggressive batting – evident from his match-winning 114 against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final – is irreplaceable, but Pakistan’s squad depth, including Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir, must rise to the occasion.

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