Abbas Afridi to miss third T20 match against New Zealand

• Abbas Afridi is out for the T20I vs. New Zealand.
• Afridi’s availability for the remaining matches is unclear.
• Zaman Khan is likely to replace Afridi in the XI.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed on Tuesday that pacer Abbas Afridi of Pakistan will miss the third Twenty20 International match against New Zealand on Wednesday because of a minor strain to his abdominal wall.

Speedster’s availability for the series’ last two games will be decided upon in due time.

“His [Abbas] scan has shown no sign of significant injury, and he will be managed symptomatically,” the PCB added. “His availability for the last 2 games will be made at a later stage.”

In two of the series’ matches, Afridi—who made his debut during the first T20I—has grabbed five wickets.

For the third T20I, Pakistan’s playing XI may include Zaman Khan in place of Afridi.

In the second Twenty20 international on Sunday, fast bowler Adam Milne took four wickets as New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 21 runs to grab a 2-0 series lead.

In response to New Zealand’s 194-8, the tourists gave up a commanding lead in their run chase when they were bowled for 173 in the last over, despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.

The Black Caps’ victory came at a price, as captain Kane Williamson had to retire due to a hamstring injury sustained while batting.

Williamson will not participate in the series going forward, coach Gary Stead announced on Monday.

With the first Test match against South Africa less than three weeks away, Stead announced that his top batsman, Williamson, would miss the last two matches in addition to the third game on Wednesday.

“With the Test matches so close as well and in the big scheme of things (they are) a higher priority I think we´ll try and make sure he´s right for that,” Stead said.

Williamson is anticipated to be replaced in the batting order by Tim Seifert, who Stead said was always scheduled to take Devon Conway’s place as wicketkeeper at some point during the series.

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