In a nail-biting finish at the MCG, Pakistan’s hopes of pulling off an upset against Australia took a hit as Naseem Shah walked off with an injury in a critical moment. With Australia needing just 8 runs to win and Pakistan needing two wickets, Naseem was seen struggling on the field. He appeared to be experiencing discomfort in his left leg, possibly a cramp or a calf issue. After a brief break in play, Naseem had to leave the field with the physio by his side, leaving Pakistan in a vulnerable position.
Before the injury, Naseem was bowling with intent, keeping the Australian tail on their toes. His first ball of the over saw him pitch a good length delivery on middle and leg, which Mitchell Starc defended solidly. The previous ball, a full delivery on leg-stump, saw Starc close the face of his bat too early, resulting in a thick leading edge that rolled safely to mid-off.
With Pakistan’s key bowler now off the field, the pressure mounts on the rest of the attack to try and secure a dramatic finish. As the game hangs in balance, Pakistan’s hopes of a comeback rely heavily on the remaining bowlers to deliver in Naseem’s absence.