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PAK vs NZ: Fakhar Zaman limps off the field on 2nd ball in Champions Trophy 2025

India will be playing its group matches in the United Arab Emirates, including a highly anticipated game against Pakistan on Sunday, as their government did not permit the players to travel to Pakistan.

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The long-awaited return of an ICC event to Pakistan after nearly 30 years did not begin on a positive note. In the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium on Wednesday, opener Fakhar Zaman faced an injury scare in the very first over.

Just two balls into Shaheen Shah Afridi’s opening over, New Zealand’s Will Young played a drive through the covers. Standing at mid-off, Fakhar made a desperate dive to prevent the ball from reaching the boundary, even as the Kiwi batsmen completed a third run. Unfortunately, he landed awkwardly, appearing to injure his knee or back.

In visible distress, Fakhar opted to leave the field immediately and received attention from the physio on the sidelines. Kamran Ghulam took over as the substitute fielder. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later announced that Fakhar had sustained a “muscular sprain.” “Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain, with further updates to be provided as necessary,” the PCB stated.

Fakhar has a history of injuries, having previously undergone knee surgery and faced hamstring issues that sidelined him in the past. A commentary from Ramiz Raja lamented the situation, stating, “He is out of the field and seems to be gutted. That’s unfortunate. If an injury to Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s premier ODI batsman, is confirmed, it would be tragic.” Ian Smith echoed this sentiment, remarking, “It’s a freak incident; incredibly unlucky. Fakhar has been in excellent form. If he cannot fulfil his role as a batter later today, it would be a significant blow to Pakistan, and they must rally together because this will be a worry for them.”

As defending champions, Pakistan lifted the trophy after defeating archrival India in the final of the last Champions Trophy in 2017. India will be playing its group matches in the United Arab Emirates, including a highly anticipated game against Pakistan on Sunday, as their government did not permit the players to travel to Pakistan.

The last major ICC event hosted by Pakistan was the 1996 World Cup, co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka. New Zealand, riding high after winning the tri-nation series against Pakistan and South Africa last week, is well-acquainted with the newly upgraded conditions in Karachi. Despite losing key fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears to injuries, New Zealand has prepared effectively for the Champions Trophy, with their top-order batsmen in good form and spinners like Mitchell Santner controlling the middle overs.

Opening batter Rachin Ravindra was also unavailable for New Zealand’s first match due to a forehead injury sustained during the tri-nation series opener in Lahore, one of the three host cities for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf, who missed the last two matches of the tri-nation series due to a side strain, has passed a fitness test and replaced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in the squad.

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Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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