WATCH: Crucial blow for Pakistan as Shadab Khan gets injured during ODI World Cup clash against South Africa

During the 26th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 against South Africa at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on October 27, the Pakistan cricket team faced a significant setback on the field when their key all-rounder, Shadab Khan, sustained an injury. South Africa, while chasing a target of 271 runs, began their innings against off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed. The opening ball was wide, and South African captain Temba Bavuma managed to take a single off the next delivery, hitting it towards mid-on.

While fielding the ball, Shadab Khan made an off-balanced throw and appeared to injure his head and shoulder when he fell to the ground. Shadab remained on the ground for a moment, prompting the physiotherapists to rush onto the field and eventually call for a stretcher. After receiving medical attention, the leg-spinner was assisted back to the dressing room, clearly in pain.

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Brilliant bowling performance by Pakistan

Talking about the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, but they had a rough start as opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed after contributing only 9 runs. Imam-ul-Haq also returned to the pavilion with just 12 runs to his name. However, the team’s fortunes turned around when skipper Babar Azam played a brilliant innings, reaching a well-deserved half-century alongside the in-form Mohammad Rizwan.

The wicketkeeper-batter appeared to be in good touch until Gerald Coetzee removed him from the crease at 31 runs in the 16th over. Iftikhar Ahmed also got off to a promising start but couldn’t add more than 21 runs to the total. Babar Azam, after his excellent performance, was also dismissed in the 28th over.

Following his departure, Saud Shakeel scored an impressive 52 runs off as many deliveries, and he found support in Shadab Khan, who added 43 runs from just 36 balls. Pakistan eventually posted a total of 270 runs in 46.4 overs. In terms of South Africa’s bowling performance, Tabraiz Shamsi secured wickets, while Marco Jansen took 3 wickets while giving away 43 runs in his 9-over spell.