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Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim encountered a concerning moment during practice as he experienced discomfort in his rib cage. This occurred while he was batting in preparation for the fourth and final match against England at the Kia Oval stadium in Surrey. Unfortunately, due to the pain in his right rib, Wasim was unable to participate in the match, which Pakistan ultimately lost by seven wickets in a decidedly one-sided contest. As a result, Babar Azam’s team conceded the series 2-0, with the other two games being abandoned without a single ball bowled due to weather conditions.
Looking ahead, the Green Army is set to kick off their World Cup campaign on June 6th, with their first match against the USA. Despite the seemingly advantageous fixture, Pakistan cannot afford to underestimate their opponents, as the hosts will be entering the Group stages with boosted confidence following their 2-1 victory over Bangladesh in a recent three-match T20I series.
The medical team of Pakistan will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Imad Wasim’s condition.
Following his discomfort in the rib cage, Imad Wasim promptly informed the team management and coaching staff during practice, leading to his immediate withdrawal from the session. Consequently, he was deemed unavailable for the fourth T20I at the Oval, with Usman Khan stepping in to fill the void left by Wasim.
The left-handed batsman and off-spinner had made a return to the national side in April after reversing his retirement earlier in the year. Wasim had notably excelled in the Pakistan Super League this year, playing a pivotal role in Islamabad United’s triumphant campaign, securing their second PSL title under the leadership of Shadab Khan.
Wasim’s standout performance came in the final on March 18th in Karachi, where he was instrumental in United’s victory. He was awarded the Man of the Match for his all-round display, claiming a remarkable 5-wicket haul with the ball while maintaining an economy rate of 5.75 runs per over. Additionally, with the bat, he contributed 19 runs off 17 balls, including the winning runs of the match.
Despite his stellar performances in domestic cricket, Wasim has struggled to replicate his form in the six matches he has played since returning to the international circuit. Following his recent injury scare, the Pakistani medical team is closely monitoring the extent of his rib cage issue. Wasim has been advised to prioritize rest to facilitate his recovery ahead of the T20 World Cup.
