Why Will Pakistan Batter Usman Khan Miss 2nd ODI Against New Zealand?

Pakistan’s top-order batter, Usman Khan, has been ruled out of the second ODI against New Zealand on April 1 (Tuesday) with a hamstring injury. The Pakistani batter hurt his hamstring during the opener against New Zealand whilst fielding on March 29 (Saturday). 

On his ODI debut, Usman made a valuable contribution, scoring 39 off 33 balls in the 83-run partnership alongside Abdullah Shafique. The right-handed batter made 19 T20I appearances for Pakistan before making his ODI debut, where he mostly batted in the middle order. 

Pakistan will now have two choices - either promote Babar Azam from No.3 to opening or will have to pick Imam-ul-Haq for the second ODI. Imam last played an ODI during Pakistan’s disastrous home Champions Trophy 2025, where they exited in the group stage without a win. 

The Men in Green might have to do more than what they did in the opening encounter at McLean Park if they want to make a comeback in the series during the second ODI.