Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman in their last ICC Champions Trophy against New Zealand. While the attacking southpaw has been ruled out of the tournament, Pakistan had to bring in a replacement as they found a like-for-like substitute. The hosts of the tournament brought in Imam-ul-Haq, who looked in fine touch after Pakistan opted to bat first. However, a moment of brilliance by Axar Patel cut short his innings.
Axar Patel’s direct-hit sends Imam-ul-Haq back
What a pivotal moment in the game! Imam-ul-Haq’s rash decision to take a single proved costly as he was run out by Axar Patel’s lightning-quick reflexes. Imam had pushed the ball softly towards mid-on and set off for a run, but Axar was too fast, charging in and hitting the stumps directly. Imam’s desperate dive couldn’t save him, and he was well short of the crease. Despite striking the ball well, it was a suicidal attempt to run by Imam.
