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Imam-ul-Haq injured, ball enters helmet grill, hits jaw as Pakistan opener retires hurt during third ODI vs New Zealand

Imam-ul-Haq suffered a freak injury during the 3rd ODI against New Zealand as a throw pierced his helmet grill and hit his jaw. He was taken off the field on a stretcher.

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Imaam UL haq injury

Pakistan’s ODI campaign against New Zealand took a concerning turn on Friday as opener Imam-ul-Haq sustained a freak facial injury during the third One Day International at Mount Maunganui. The 29-year-old was struck on the jaw by a throw from a New Zealand fielder during the early overs of Pakistan’s chase and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher.

Ball pierces helmet, hits jaw

The incident occurred in the third over of the second innings while Imam attempted a quick single. A New Zealand fielder threw the ball toward the striker’s end, but the throw entered through the gap in Imam’s helmet grill, hitting him directly on the jaw. The left-handed batter immediately collapsed to the ground, clutching his face in visible pain.

Pakistan’s medical team rushed to the field and provided on-spot assistance before Imam was taken off in a buggy ambulance. He was declared retired hurt, and Babar Azam came in to continue the innings.

Pakistan chase 265 in final ODI

The match itself holds little consequence in terms of series outcome, as New Zealand had already sealed the three-match ODI series with victories in the first two games. In the rain-reduced contest—shortened to 42 overs per side—New Zealand posted 264/8, with captain Michael Bracewell scoring 59 off 40 and opener Rhys Mariu contributing 58 off 61 balls.

Pakistan were set a target of 265 to avoid a clean sweep but faced early setbacks, including the injury to Imam.

Chasing 265, Pakistan has lost five wickets and scored just 169 in 32.5 overs. Pakistan has needed 96 runs in 56 balls. Tayyab Tahir and Faheem Ashraf are on the crease.

Disappointing tour for Pakistan

Pakistan’s white-ball tour of New Zealand has been marred by underperformance. They began the tour with a five-match T20I series in early March but managed just one win in Auckland. After defeats in Christchurch and Dunedin, the visitors bounced back with a nine-wicket win in the third T20I. However, they were comprehensively beaten in the final two matches—by 115 runs in Mount Maunganui and by eight wickets in Wellington—handing New Zealand a dominant 4-1 T20 series win.

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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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