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Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been dealt a major setback after being ruled out for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture sustained on the first morning of the Cape Town Test. The injury sidelines him from Pakistan’s upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies and a tri-series involving South Africa and […]
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been dealt a major setback after being ruled out for up to six weeks due to a right ankle fracture sustained on the first morning of the Cape Town Test. The injury sidelines him from Pakistan’s upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies and a tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand in February. Moreover, his participation in the Champions Trophy, set to begin in Karachi in just over six weeks, remains uncertain as he races against time to recover.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the diagnosis following an MRI scan conducted on Friday, which revealed the fracture. Ayub’s injury has been immobilized with a medical moon boot, and he will stay with the team until the conclusion of the Cape Town Test. His absence poses a significant challenge for Pakistan as they navigate a packed cricket schedule.
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Saim Ayub’s injury occurred in dramatic fashion during the seventh over of the Cape Town Test. As Ryan Rickelton edged a ball through the slips, Ayub chased it down to deep third alongside Aamer Jamal, who pulled the ball back while Ayub positioned himself as the relay fielder. However, Ayub lost his balance, twisting his ankle in the process. He collapsed in visible agony, clutching his leg as the physio rushed to his side. Despite extended treatment on the sidelines, Ayub could not bear any weight on his right ankle and was eventually stretchered off the field, appearing emotional. Later, he was spotted on crutches with his injured ankle in a medical boot.
Ayub’s injury is a major setback for Pakistan, as the young opener has been a revelation in recent months. Establishing himself as an all-format star, he played pivotal roles in ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Notably, his two centuries in three matches in South Africa earned him the Player of the Series title, further cementing his reputation as a key player for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
New Zealand, led by their new permanent white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, won the toss and opted to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The decision was influenced by the grassy pitch, which is expected to aid seamers early in the match. With Tom Latham sidelined due to injury, Mitchell Hay has been handed the wicketkeeping duties for New Zealand. The hosts’ bowling attack features seamers Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, and all-rounder Nathan Smith, reflecting their strategy to capitalize on the pitch conditions.
Sri Lanka handed a debut to 23-year-old right-arm seamer Eshan Malinga, known for his express pace and strong domestic performances. Malinga was preferred over Mohamed Shiraz in a seamer-heavy lineup that also includes Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe. Despite their depth in seam options, the visitors opted for only one specialist spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, underscoring their tactical approach to the conditions. Captain Charith Asalanka leads the side with Kusal Mendis serving as the wicketkeeper and Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando at the top of the order.
While the toss was conducted under clear skies, a cold southerly breeze swept through the ground, bringing temperatures down to 15 degrees Celsius. The wind is expected to persist throughout the day, potentially posing challenges for the bowlers’ control and the batters’ timing. Both teams have shaped their strategies around the conditions, setting the stage for an intriguing contest at the Basin Reserve.
Sri Lanka: 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Avishka Fernando, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Kamindu Mendis, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt.), 6 Janith Liyanage, 7 Chamindu Wickramasinghe, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Lahiru Kumara, 10 Eshan Malinga, 11 Asitha Fernando
New Zealand: 1 Will Young, 2 Rachin Ravindra, 3 Mark Chapman, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Glenn Phillips, 6 Mitchel Hay (wk), 7 Mitchell Santner (capt.), 8 Nathan Smith, 9 Matt Henry, 10 Jacob Duffy, 11 Will O’Rourke
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