Darwish Rasooli's ODI debut ends in injury scare

Darwish Rasooli's first ODI innings for Afghanistan ended in distressing fashion when he pulled up with a severe hamstring injury while batting against India. The 26-year-old collapsed on the pitch after playing a pull shot in the 24th over, and had to be carried off by medical staff, unable to bear weight on his right leg. He was eventually declared retired hurt for 6 off 6 balls.

The incident occurred off the bowling of Gurnoor Brar when Rasooli pulled a short ball towards midwicket. Immediately after the shot, he fell to the ground clutching the back of his right thigh, screaming in pain. The physio rushed out and treated him on the field, but he couldn't continue. Earlier in the innings, Rasooli had been seen struggling with cramp in the same leg while fielding, which may have aggravated the injury.

Afghanistan were chasing a daunting target of 403, and Rasooli's injury was a major setback. He was helped off the field by two support staff, his right leg barely touching the ground. Under cricket rules, he could have returned later if a wicket fell and he was fit, but the severity of the injury made that unlikely. His debut left a sour note for the Afghan camp.