India vs Pakistan: Hardik Pandya taken off on stretcher as temperatures hit 41 degrees in Dubai
The 24-year-old left the field of play on a stretcher in the 18th over due to an acute lower back injury
INDIAN cricket star Hardik Pandya was forced to leave the field of play on a stretcher during the Asia Cup clash against Pakistan.
With temperatures hitting 41 degrees in Dubai, the 24-year-old fell to the ground during the 18th over while finishing his run up in his fifth over of bowling.
Manish Pandey came on as his replacement, with it being revealed that the all-rounder picked up a back injury.
A Twitter statement from the Indian cricket team said: "Injury update - Hardik Pandya has an acute lower back injury.
"He is able to stand at the moment and the medical team is assessing him now.
"Manish Pandey is on the field as his substitute."
Pandya failed to claim a wicket in the 29 balls he delivered, nor did he secure himself a maiden over.
However, he only gave away 24 runs at the Dubai International Stadium after Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
Today's encounter of the Asia Cup is the fifth match of the six-nation competition, with India beating Hong Kong by 26 runs yesterday, while Pakistan beat the same opponents by eight wickets on Sunday.
Both India and Pakistan have secured their passage into the Super Four, with the Men in Blue to face Bangladesh next, and the Shaheens to battle against Afghanistan.
