In an unexpected turn of events, the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan in the Pakistan squad for the third T20I against New Zealand has become doubtful due to an injury sustained during practice. Rizwan, who has been in top form in recent matches, was expected to play a crucial role in the final match of the series.
According to reports, Rizwan injured his thumb during a training session, and the team management is closely monitoring his condition. The extent of the injury is not yet clear, and a final decision on his inclusion in the squad will be taken closer to the match.
The absence of Rizwan would be a big blow for Pakistan, who are currently trailing 1-0 in the series. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been in outstanding form in the shortest format of the game, scoring three half-centuries in his last four T20Is.
In the event that Rizwan is unable to play, the team management will have to consider alternative options. Sarfraz Ahmed, who has been out of the team for some time, could be a possible replacement. However, it remains to be seen whether the team management would be willing to make such a drastic change at such a crucial stage of the series.
The Pakistan team has been struggling with consistency in recent matches, and the absence of Rizwan would only add to their problems. They will need to put up a strong performance in the final match to level the series and salvage some pride.
The New Zealand team, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their impressive performances in the series so far. They have dominated the Pakistan side with both bat and ball, and will be confident of maintaining their winning streak in the final match.
With both teams looking to end the series on a high note, the final match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair. The absence of Mohammad Rizwan would undoubtedly be a setback for Pakistan, but they will need to regroup and come up with a strong performance to overcome the New Zealand challenge.
