Misbah out of remaining New Zealand one-dayers

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq will take no further part in the one-day series against New Zealand, having picked up a hamstring injury during the second ODI on Friday. Shahid Afridi will lead the side in his absence.

Misbah sustained the injury in the third over of New Zealand's chase in Sharjah, and did not take the field for the rest of the game. The PCB is yet to decide whether Misbah will stay with the team or return to Pakistan.

His injury comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, as the team tries to firm up its combination and build momentum ahead of the World Cup in February and March.

The series against New Zealand is currently tied at 1-1, with three games to play. The third ODI will be played on Sunday, in Sharjah.

Pakistan are also without fast bowler Umar Gul and allrounder Bilawal Bhatti for these matches. Gul, who had made his return to international cricket in this series after a long injury layoff, was left out of the second ODI due to a bruised tendon in his left ankle. Bhatti, meanwhile, is out with a hand injury.