Pakistan’s emerging pacer Usman Khan Shinwari has suffered a fresh injury setback which will keep him out of the game for at least six months.
The left-arm bowler was diagnosed with a stress fracture on his back with initial medical prognosis confirming damage in the lumbar spine.
The 23-year-old pacer had announced himself to the world in blistering fashion after picking up a five-wicket haul in the space of only 21 deliveries in just his second ODI for Pakistan.
Khan achieved this feat during the fifth ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the UAE in only his second one-day appearance for the country after making his debut in the fourth match.
The 21 deliveries taken by Khan to achieve his five-wicket haul was the third quickest in the history of the format. The youngster suffered the back injury during the second T20I against Sri Lanka and had to miss out on the historic third match of the series back in Lahore.
Khan had picked up 5-34 in the final ODI against Sri Lanka.
Khan made his debut for Pakistan in the T20I format way back in 2013 but two similar back-related injuries have thwarted the young pacer’s progress with the national team.
The pacer had spent eight months on the sidelines during 2014-15 due to the back injuries.
With Khan being out of action for the next six months, he will miss Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand and the Pakistan Super League.
Sarfraz Ahmed’s men are scheduled to embark on a January tour of New Zealand for a five-match ODI and three-match T20I series.
