Pakistan's best-performed batsman Saeed Anwar has been confirmed today as the latest victim of his side's injury-plagued tour of New Zealand.

He is to return home tomorrow.

Anwar injured a groin during Pakistan's loss in their three-day loss to New Zealand A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln University at the weekend.

Earlier reports from Pakistan said he was returning home but there were hopes in the Pakistan team management that he would be fit enough for consideration for the second Test starting in Christchurch in a week's time.

However, the decision has now been made for him to go home.

The 52-Test veteran leaves a big hole in the side's batting ranks. He has scored 3890 runs in Tests at an average of 46.30, including 10 centuries. That is the best average, in the touring side. Only the injured Inzamam-ul-Haq has scored more runs, at an average of 46.22.

It will be, is also under an injury cloud and it will be later this morning before it is known whether he will be fit enough to play in the first Test at Eden Park

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