• Home
  • Match Hub
  • What Happened To Imam Ul Haq Pakistan Opener Carried Off The Field On Stretcher

What Happened To Imam-ul-Haq? Pakistan Opener Carried Off The Field On Stretcher

Debashis Sarangi

Imam-ul-Haq was stretchered off the field [Source: @abubakartarar_/X]Imam-ul-Haq was stretchered off the field [Source: @abubakartarar_/X]

In an unfortunate incident, experienced Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq was stretchered off the field after suffering a massive injury setback during the third ODI against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Imam, who replaced injured opener Usman Khan, was retired hurt in the high-octane face-off. 

Why Was Imam-ul-Haq Carried Off The Field On Stretcher?

The incident occurred during the third over of Pakistan's innings after New Zealand posted a competitive total of 264 runs in the rain-marred 42-over-a-side clash. In response, Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique started off cautiously before an injury setback forced the former to leave the field. 

After Jacob Duffy conceded only two runs off his first over, New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell brought William O'Rourke to bowl from the other end. The fast bowler delivered two consecutive dots before Imam took a single by nudging his good length delivery through the off side. 

Before he could reach the other end, the fielder at cover point threw the ball towards the bowler in a bid to run him out. However, the ball bounced awkwardly off the ground and hit Imam right on his helmet. 

The ball even got stuck inside the grill, with Imam experiencing severe pain on his left jaw. He was eventually attended by the players and physios from both sides before being stretchered off the field. 

Babar Azam Joins Abdullah Shafique In The Middle

Meanwhile, after Imam's departure, former captain Babar Azam joined Abdullah Shafique in the middle. As of writing, Pakistan were 30 for none, with Shafique and Babar batting on 17* and 7*, respectively.