Shahid Afridi injures thumb, in doubt for first Twenty20 against Australia

Sharjah: Pakistan all rounder Shahid Afridi is in doubt for tonight’s opening Twenty20 match against Australia because of a thumb injury.

The No.4-ranked bowler in T20 Internationals hurt his left thumb while fielding off his own bowling in Pakistan’s loss to Australia in the third and deciding one-day international in Sharjah on Monday night. Afridi failed with the bat with scores of 0 and seven and took only one wicket in two ODIs against Australia in the just-completed series, missing game two with a sore back, the AAP reports. Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema said: “His left thumb was wounded quite badly. The skin tore off and blood was oozing. He`s received two stitches." “The doctors intend to examine the intensity of the wound, how far can it be healed. Shahid`s availability for the next match depends on the medical examination and expert views.” ANI