Double body blow to Pakistan ahead of NZ clash

Pakistan suffered double injury blows on Monday ahead of its World T20 encounter against New Zealand as opener Mohammad Hafeez and pacer Wahab Riaz underwent different injuries and are doubtful for the match in Mohali.

Wahab Riaz was hit on head while Mohammad Hafeez has complained of knee pain.

According to team officials, Wahab Riaz was hit by a ball on a throw at his left temporal region above his ear during the team’s training session on Monday. On initial inspection, team management found Wahab with “mild swelling.”

“Wahab was taken to a medical facility for CT Scan as a precautionary measure, which confirmed that there was no fracture in the cranium and pericranial soft tissue appeared normal,” said the medial bulletin on Wahab’s health issued by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“He was also seen by a neurologist at the same hospital, who declared him normal,” the board added.

However, the team management was reluctant to confirm Wahab’s availability for Pakistan’s must-win game against New Zealand.

“Wahab is being kept under supervision of the team doctor and physio overnight in his hotel room. His fitness to feature in tomorrow’s fixture shall be decided by Tuesday afternoon,” said a spokesman for Pakistan team.

Meanwhile, opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez is also unlikely for the match against the Black Caps in Mohali on Tuesday.

“Hafeez complained of pain in the right knee a couple of days ago. He was administered physio treatment several times but the pain didn’t subside,” said team doctor Dr Sohail Saleem.

“He was sent for an MRI immediately after arrival in Mohali from Kolkata. The MRI revealed bone contusion/edema in the inter-condylar region of the femur,” said the team doctor. There was also minimal amount of fluid in the knee joint, he added. 

“He would be further inspected on Tuesday, but it is likely that he would not be able to take part in the match against Black Caps.”