Pakistan fast bowler Abbas Afridi will miss the upcoming third T20I against New Zealand in Dunedin due to a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain, causing discomfort.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that scans showed no major injury, and Afridi will undergo symptomatic management. His availability for the remaining two matches will be evaluated later.

This absence poses a significant setback for the team, as Afridi, who has been both effective and economical with five wickets, will be unavailable.

In the second Twenty20 international, New Zealand secured a 21-run victory over Pakistan, leading the series 2-0.

Full squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain and wicket-keeper) Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (wicket-keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan

Full schedule:

1st T20 – 12 January 2024 at Eden Park, Auckland

2nd T20 – 14 January 2024 at Seddon Park, Hamilton

3rd T20 – 17 January 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin

4th T20 – 19 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

5th T20 – 21 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch