Dunedin, Right-arm pacer Abbas Afridi has been ruled out of the third Twenty20 International (T20I) against New Zealand following discomfort from a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain. The decision was made after a medical evaluation indicated the need for his exclusion from the upcoming match.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Afridi’s recent scans did not reveal any significant injury. However, the medical team has decided to manage his condition symptomatically. The assessment of his fitness for the remaining two games of the series will be conducted at a later stage. This development comes as a setback for the Pakistan team, which has been relying on Afridi’s bowling prowess in the ongoing series.