NZ vs PAK: Imam-ul-Haq suffers serious on-field injury as ball hits helmet, hospitalized

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was severely injured during the third ODI against New Zealand. One of the throws went directly into his helmet and injured his face. The accident happened in the third over when the Kiwi fielder's throw hit his helmet while attempting to take the run. Imam fell on the ground immediately and began experiencing pain. He was taken to the hospital after the medical check-up via an ambulance.

Imam-ul-Haq died in a gruesome accident 

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq died in a gruesome accident during the third ODI match against New Zealand. A sharp throw pierced his helmet and hit him squarely in the face. He was immediately rushed from the ground to the ambulance on a stretcher after the accident, which resulted in silence in the whole stadium. This gruesome sight was witnessed during this match held at Bay Oval, when Imam-ul-Haq got hurt while scoring runs. Initially, it appeared to be a small injury, but as soon as the medical staff reached there, the gravity of the situation emerged and it was decided to send him to the hospital immediately.

Accident in the third over

The accident occurred during the third over of Pakistan's batting. On the ball of bowler William Orurke, Imam attempted to take the run by playing a shot in the off-side. The ball struck so forcefully that Imam fell on the ground and continued to suffer by clutching his face.

Ball stuck in helmet, jaw injury

The moment he fell, he himself removed the ball from the helmet and rolled over on the ground in agony. At first, the injury was not severe, but when the pain did not cease, the medical staff decided to take him to the hospital in an ambulance. The match was suspended for a while.The game had to be suspended for a brief period after Imam's injury. The audience in the stadium were shocked and the worry was reflected on the players' faces. This incident again brought to mind the risky side of cricket.

Worlds MOST Unusual Blow to Imam when a throw from fielded gog stuck in his helmet and hurt his jaw#Imamulhaq #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/10Frq2EBRm

— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) April 5, 2025

Usman Khan becomes concussion substitute

Instead of Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's team brought batsman Usman Khan as a concussion replacement. The rules state that if a player is absent from the game due to a head injury, he can be replaced by a player of the same category. Usman Khan made 12 runs off 17 balls.

New Zealand's innings and match condition

The game began late because of rain and was cut short to 42 overs. Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. New Zealand made 264 runs batting first. At the time of writing the news, Pakistan had made 117 runs losing 3 wickets in 25 overs.