Azam Khan (Source – Twitter/X)
During the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 match, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors was struck on the neck by a bouncer and also bizarrely lost his wicket.
The incident took place during the match between the Warriors and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on August 30 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua. As the Warriors were chasing a target of 169 runs, Khan came into bat in the 10th over.
In the 12th over of the innings, Falcons’ pacer Shamar Springer delivered a short-pitched ball and Azam attempted to pull the bouncer but misjudged the delivery. The ball struck him on the shoulder before rebounding onto his neck, causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground. As the 26-year-old fell on the ground to save the ball from hitting the stumps, his bat made contact with the stumps, dislodging the bails and resulting in his dismissal.
— Cricket Cricket (@cricket543210) August 31, 2024
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Guyana Amazon Warriors managed to clinch a brilliant victory
The impact of the blow was immediately apparent as Azam lay on the ground, clutching his neck in visible pain. The team’s physiotherapist rushed to the field to provide medical attention. After a brief examination, Azam was assisted off the field, having managed only a run-a-ball nine in his short-lived innings.
The wicketkeeper-batter has been under scrutiny for his form and fitness, particularly after a disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. He struggled to make a significant impact in international cricket, with just 88 runs from 13 innings at an average of 8.80. So far in the ongoing CPL, he has scored just nine runs in one game.
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Despite the setback, the Guyana Amazon Warriors managed to clinch a brilliant victory, thanks to cameo performances from Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius. The team successfully chased down the target on the last ball of the match, securing a three-wicket win.