Mohammad Shahzad injury leaves Afghanistan sweating over fitness of wicketkeeper-batsman ahead of the World Cup

The 32-year-old pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring problem in his side's warm-up clash with Pakistan in Bristol

Afghanistan’s bludgeoning wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Shahzad could be a doubt for his side’s opening fixture of the World Cup against Australia next week with a suspected hamstring injury.

Opening the batting during the Afghan’s warm-up match in Bristol against Pakistan, the experienced right-hander pulled up midway through the seventh over while running a single with Hazratullah Zazai.

The 32-year-old underwent treatment on the field before being helped towards the dressing room having been forced to retire.

Shahzad made a quickfire 23, which included five fours, and looked impressive alongside Zazi - who took the attack to the Pakistani seamers in the powerplay overs.

Afghanistan begin their World Cup campaign against the defending champions Australia at the same ground next Saturday, June 1, and as such it is unlikely that Shahzad will play a part in their last warm-up game against England at The Oval next week.

The Chittagong Vikings man has been instrumental in Afghanistan’s rise through the ranks, and is both his country’s leader run-scorer (2,727) and century maker (six) in one-day internationals. Afghanistan will be sweating over his fitness having not selected another genuine opener in their 15-man squad.

On a personal level, the injury would be a double heartbreak for Shahzad having missed out on selection for the 2015 tournament also due to fitness concerns.

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