PAK vs SA: Usama Mir Becomes First Ever Concussion Substitute In World Cups, Replaces Shadab Khan
Usama replaced Shadab Khan, who was injured while fielding in the second innings of Pakistan vs. South Africa in the 2023 ODI World Cup, making history as the first-ever substitute for a concussion in ODI World Cup history.
Match 26 of the ODI World Cup 2023 between Pakistan and South Africa took place at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Pakistan's leg-spinner Usama Mir entered the game as a concussion substitute.
Usama took Shadab Khan's place after the latter was injured during a fielding match in the second innings, making history as the first-ever ODI World Cup substitute for concussions.
Shadab struck his head on the ground in the opening over of the second inning while fielding, forcing him to leave the field due to a major injury scare. He did not come back.
Pakistan, who were defending a total of 270 runs, were dealt a severe setback when their main all-round player, Shadab, was forced to leave the field. Shadab may have been useful on the legendary venue's spin-friendly surface.
Fielding at mid-on, Shadab sprinted in the direction of the ball in an attempt to attempt a run out on the second ball of the second innings.
He was able to gather up the ball and toss it in the direction of the stump, but he landed awkwardly, hitting the ground with his head and shoulder breaking badly.
In the process, the star player damaged himself, and the physiotherapist saw him lying on the ground receiving treatment. Shadab made the uncomfortable decision to leave the field even though a stretcher was being called.
He attempted the warm-up exercises on the sidelines subsequently, but he was unable to get well enough to return to the field.
Usama will take his place and be observed bowling in the second innings as a like-for-like substitute, according to Pakistan Cricket.
Usama was fast to establish himself as a successful ball player, taking Rassie van der Dussen for 21 in the 19th over.
Shadab scored 43 runs earlier in the game while showing off his exceptional all-around skills and having a good hand with the bat.
He and Saud Shakeel forged an important 84-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which enabled Pakistan to reach a formidable 270 runs before being bowled out in 46.4 overs.